New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi and the New York State Police today announced that Jennifer Colucci, a former tax collector for the town of Beekman, was sentenced to pay full restitution of $88,821.40, five years’ probation, community service, and time served. Colucci served 209 days in jail, paid restitution in full and completed her community service.
“Public corruption does damage beyond the theft of money because it corrodes the public’s trust in government,” DiNapoli said. “My office partners with law enforcement across the state to hold accountable those who betray their duty to the public. My thanks to District Attorney Parisi and the State Police for their assistance in ensuring justice was served in this case.”
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento said, “This individual violated the public trust by blatantly disregarding the law and stealing from town funds that were meant for the residents and schools within the town. We will always aggressively investigate any case that involves public corruption, and I want to commend our State Police members, the Comptroller’s Office, and Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in ensuring that this defendant was held accountable, and making sure she will no longer be able to take advantage of those who put their trust in her.”
Colucci served as Beekman’s tax collector for two years ending in August 2020. During that time, she stole $86,389 in tax payments to pay for her online shopping, groceries and car payments. She pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the 4th degree in April 2022.
She was sentenced in Dutchess County Court before Judge Edward McLoughlin.
Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at https://www.osc.ny.gov/investigations, or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.