Eric Halstead, the former mayor of the Village of Candor, has been sentenced to 60 days in jail after pleading guilty to stealing over $23,000 from village accounts during his time in office.
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the sentence on April 15, following an investigation that revealed Halstead misappropriated public funds over a six-year period.
“Halstead was elected to serve his community but chose instead to steal from it,” said DiNapoli. “He now faces the consequences of his crime.”
Halstead, who served as mayor from 2012 until his resignation in July 2024, was found to have stolen $23,519 between February 2017 and May 2023. Investigators uncovered irregular financial entries, including ATM withdrawals and references to a “Mayor’s discretionary fund,” prompting a deeper probe by the Comptroller’s Office and law enforcement.
At times, Halstead returned funds to the village accounts, reimbursing $19,302 in sporadic deposits. After pleading guilty to Grand Larceny in the third degree in January, he paid full restitution before sentencing.
State Police Superintendent James emphasized the importance of holding public officials accountable. “The victims in this case are the people of New York who put their trust in the former Village of Candor Mayor,” he said. “I commend our State Police members, our partners at the Comptroller’s Office, and the Tioga County District Attorney’s Office for their commitment to investigating those who prey on the unsuspecting public for their own gain.”
Halstead was sentenced in Tioga County Court by Judge Adam R. Schumacher. In addition to his jail sentence, he is permanently barred from seeking public office.
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