Alexander McDougall, a former deputy clerk in Erie County, was sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison and ordered to repay over $320,000 he stole from county funds. McDougall diverted cash collected for court fees and taxes into his personal account between 2019 and 2023, using his position to falsify records and conceal the theft.
The fraud was uncovered during an audit by the Erie County Comptroller’s Office, leading to a broader investigation by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Erie County DA Michael Keane, and Sheriff John Garcia. Officials emphasized their commitment to holding public servants accountable and restoring public trust.

