November 24, 2020

Former Potter Town clerk arrested for the alleged theft of nearly $24,000 of Town monies

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella, and Yates County Sheriff Ronald Spike announced the arrest of former clerk of the Town of Potter Julie Brown for allegedly stealing nearly $24,000 in cash payments to the town.

Brown allegedly stole cash payments made to the town for property taxes and fees for marriage licenses, dog licenses, hunting permits, and building permits. She was employed by the town from January 1, 2018 until May 21, 2019, when she resigned.

Brown was charged with corrupting the government in the second degree (a Class C felony); grand larceny in the third degree / public servant (a Class C Felony); two counts of tampering with public records in the first degree (a Class D felony); scheme to defraud in the first degree (a Class E felony); and official misconduct (A Class A misdemeanor).

Arraigned in Yates County Court, Brown was released on her own recognizance. The arrest was a result of a joint investigation between the State Comptroller’s Office, the Yates County District Attorney’s Office and the Yates County Sheriff's Office.

Since taking office in 2007, Comptroller DiNapoli has been committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. 

Allegations of fraud involving public funds may be reported by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a report online at investigations@osc.ny.gov, or by mailing a report to the Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.