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Chautauqua County Asst. Treasurer Guilty in $4,100 Theft

The assistant treasurer for the Chautauqua County Water and Soil District pleaded guilty today to stealing $4,100 in county funds, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Debra Kelley pocketed cash fees she collected from the public, instead of depositing them in the bank. DiNapoli’s office discovered the gap during an audit and investigation and partnered with Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson in the criminal investigation.

DiNapoli Announces Elliott Auerbach to Oversee Local Government Division

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today that he has appointed Elliott Auerbach as deputy comptroller for the Division of Local Government and School Accountability.

Auerbach will head the division responsible for monitoring the finances of local governments and school districts. He will manage auditing and budget reviews, training local officials, assigning fiscal stress scores to local communities, and studying issues facing local governments. He will direct seven regional offices and a staff of more than 300.

Pekin Fire Co. President Dipped Into Bell Jar

Former Pekin Fire Company President Lawrence Amacher Jr. was arrested today for allegedly stealing $1,800 from the company’s bell jar collection for his personal use, and falsifying records to hide his theft, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Amacher, 49, of Sanborn, in Niagara County, allegedly withdrew $1,800 from the company’s bell jar account and falsely submitted the required New York State Gaming Commission reports in 2014 and 2015, which misrepresented his use of the funds.

DiNapoli: Pharsalia Supervisor Arrested in Alleged $123K Theft

Pharsalia Town Supervisor Dennis O. Brown faces criminal charges for allegedly stealing more than $123,000 in town funds. He allegedly used the funds to pay credit card bills and pad his salary an additional $20,000 a year, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Geddes Town Clerk Charged in $30K Swindle

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick announced the arrest today of Geddes Account Clerk Shannon Carhart for allegedly pocketing $30,000 in a health care coverage scam.