POUGHKEEPSIE – Pleasant Valley Town Clerk Margaret Hart was 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 from 2012 through 2016.
Dutchess County District Attorney William Grady said Hart was arraigned on the charges in court on Monday. He 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,” Grady said.
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.
Hart was released on her own recognizance by Acting Supreme Court Justice George Fufidio of Westchester County Court.
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