Clerk Accused Of Stealing $27K+ From Town

PLEASANT VALLEY, NY — The town clerk of Pleasant Valley was accused stealing more than $27,000 from the municipality. State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said Margaret Hart allegedly took the money by pocketing cash deposits instead of depositing them in the clerk’s bank account.

Hart, 57, of Hyde Park, was charged with third-degree grand larceny and official misconduct, a misdemeanor.

DiNapoli said the thefts, which took place over three and a half years, were discovered by the Comptroller’s officer after a referral from town officials.

Hart also functions as the town tax collector. DiNapoli said she used her position to steal cash payments made to the town and changed town accounts to disguise the theft.

“Ms. Hart violated the public trust by stealing town fees and will be held accountable for her actions,” DiNapoli said. “My staff, working with law enforcement, exposed the money transfer that Ms. Hart allegedly used to mask her thefts.”

New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at investigations@osc.state.ny.us or by mailing a complaint to Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.

Logo: Town of Pleasant Valley.