September 4, 2014
STEUBEN COUNTY, NY – Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has announced the arrest of Cohocton Town Clerk Sandra Riley.
Riley was charged with grand larceny in the third degree, a class D felony, and official misconduct, a class A misdemeanor, after an audit and investigation by DiNapoli’s office uncovered the misappropriation of more than $36,000 in public funds.
Officials with the State Comptroller’s Office says that Sandra Riley has already admitted to the grand larceny. “Riley confessed to DiNapoli’s staff and the New York State Police that she pocketed tax penalty payments, as well as cash for building permits and dog licenses, over a six-year period,” Dinapoli’s office stated.
Riley was arraigned in Village of Bath court and is due back on September 15.
“This is another troubling case of a local official abusing her position to steal taxpayer money,” said DiNapoli. “We will continue to work to expose public corruption and partner with law enforcement to bring offenders to justice and recoup stolen public money. I want to thank Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker and the New York State Police for their continued partnership with my staff to make sure these types of individuals are held accountable for their actions.”
