POUGHKEEPSIE – Pleasant
Valley Town Clerk Margaret Hart has been indicted on one felony count
of grand larceny and two counts of misdemeanor official misconduct for
allegedly stealing over $27,000 in town funds collected from various fees.
Dutchess County District Attorney William Grady said Hart was arraigned
on the charges in court on Monday.
Grady said the fund from which she allegedly stole included money collected
for refuse tickets, marriage licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, and
property taxes.
“These were fees from Town of Pleasant Valley residents, and while
doing so, used her official position as town clerk to conceal the theft,”
said the DA.
He said a comprehensive audit by the state Comptroller’s Office
Forensic Team and an investigation by the State Police provided the basis
for the grand jury investigation.
She allegedly stole the money over a four-year period from 2012 through
2016.
Hart was released on her own recognizance by Acting Supreme Court Justice
George Fufidio of Westchester County Court.
