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April 20, 2022

Former Town of Beekman tax collector pleads guilty to embezzling $86,000 for personal expenses

On April 20, 2022 New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced that Jennifer Colucci, 41, of Hopewell Junction, pleaded guilty to stealing more than $86,000 in tax funds collected for the use of the Town of Beekman and its schools. This plea was a result of a joint investigation between Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, the New York State Police and Dutchess County D.A. William Grady. 

“Ms. Colucci treated the Town’s treasury like her personal piggybank* and now faces the consequences of her actions,” DiNapoli said. “This case should be a warning to anyone contemplating a betrayal of the public’s trust: you will be held accountable for your actions. I thank Dutchess County D.A. William Grady and the State Police for their partnership in bringing this corruption to light and helping to combat abuse of taxpayers’ trust.”

“Jennifer Colucci put her greed ahead of the community these tax funds were meant to support,” State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said. “This guilty plea demonstrates the hard work of the New York State Police and our law enforcement partners. I commend and thank the State Comptroller’s Office and Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office for their commitment to investigating those who victimize the unsuspecting public for their own gain.”

Colucci pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree and Corrupting the Government in the 3rd Degree and was ordered to pay $86,389.62 in restitution in Dutchess County Court before Judge Edward T. McLoughlin. She is due back in court on June 17, 2022. 

Colucci used the Town’s money to shop online, order food deliveries, and make car loan payments. She served as Beekman tax collector for two years, ending in August 2020. 

* The practice of using a public office or position of trust for one's own gain or advantage is know as Jobbery.

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Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. 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.ny.gov, or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.

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