Investigators say that a 49-year-old who previously served as the Town of Potter Clerk and Tax Collector was arrested after an investigation involving the District Attorney’s Office, and State Comptroller’s Office.
Julie Brown, 49, of Middlesex worked for the Town from January 2018 through the spring of 2019. It’s alleged that during this time she stole over $24,000 in cash payments made to the town.
Those payments came in form of marriage and dog licenses, as well as hunting and building permits.
A Yates County Grand Jury indicted Brown on felony counts of grand larceny, corrupting the government, scheming to defraud, and two counts of tampering with public records. She was also charged with misdemeanor official misconduct.
“Ms. Brown violated the trust of her community by allegedly diverting nearly $24,000 in town funds to subsidize her personal lifestyle,” said State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. “Thanks to our partnership with Yates County District Attorney Casella and Sheriff Spike, Brown’s actions were exposed and she is now being held accountable for her abuse of taxpayer funds.”
“Yates County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division appreciates the professional assistance of the State Comptroller’s Office in this criminal investigation that has been ongoing since 2019 for embezzlement,” said Yates County Sheriff Spike. “A public office is a public trust, and when an official allegedly violates their oath of office for personal gain they must be brought to justice.”
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