Oxford Officials: $1.8 Million Earmarked to the Town is Missing

Oxford officials said Wednesday afternoon that they have learned that approximately $1.8 million was reported missing from the estate of deceased resident Miriam Strong.

Those funds had been earmarked for construction of a library, open space acquisition, and scholarships to benefit Oxford students, officials said. Oxford officials say they will work tirelessly to locate and recoup the missing funds.

“This theft is significant to the town as we were named as beneficiaries of the residual estate,” said George R. Temple, who is Oxford’s first selectman. “The money was earmarked by the will for use in the construction of a library, a scholarship fund for Oxford High School and the purchase of open space.”

Last Monday upon the motion of the town of Oxford in Probate Court, Attorney Peter M. Clark of Woodbury was removed as executor of the Strong Estate, Temple said. He has been replaced by retired Probate Judge Clifford D. Hoyle.

Judge Hoyle will be responsible for marshaling the remaining assets of the estate and attempt to recoup those assets that are missing, Temple said.

“I have directed Town Attorney Kevin W. Condon to cooperate vigorously with those efforts. I am sure that you realize that I cannot comment on an ongoing investigation but I can say that I will be meeting with detectives from the State Police Major Crime unit this afternoon. I have directed that all town officials lend support to this investigation where requested,” Temple said.

“This is a sad day for Oxford. I knew Miriam Strong. She was a very energetic focused individual who gave freely of her time. She loved Oxford as evidenced by her very generous bequest to the town. It is infuriating that her good intentions would be defeated by individual greed,” Temple said.

“We are all too familiar with the anger associated with being a victim of a crime as our former tax collector is serving time in Niantic Prison as a result of her embezzlement of public funds,” added Temple. “I have complete faith in the dedication and ability of Judge Hoyle and I am sure that he will make every effort to correct this injustice. Let me assure you that I will not rest until justice is done.”