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Jean Noel, who entered the guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of petit larceny in Carmel Town Court, has, as part of a plea deal, agreed to terminate her employment with Putnam County and to make restitution.
She was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, Schneiderman said.
“Public service should never be about private gain,” the attorney general said. “When public officials abuse their position for financial gain, there will be consequences.”
Schneiderman said that Noel -- over a period of at least two years -- pilfered $4,575 in cash payments made by contractors. The payments were intended to satisfy county-issued fines.
Discrepancies were identified after DiNapoli launched an investigation in 2014.
Noel has repaid $4,300 and owes another $275 to fully satisfy restitution, the attorney general said.
She will also pay back a portion of her salary, he added.
“This arrest should serve as a reminder that those who choose to abuse their public position will be brought to justice,” said New York state Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico.
“This former director took money not only from taxpayers, but also from businesses who were intent on paying a fine and righting a wrong,” he said.
State police aided in the investigation.
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