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NEWS from the Office of the New York State Comptroller
Contact: Press Office 518-474-4015

DiNapoli: Former City of Corning Clerk Arrested for Stealing Public Funds

July 2, 2014

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the arrest of former city of Corning clerk Stephanie Burlew. She was charged with grand larceny in the third degree, a class D felony, for allegedly misappropriating more than $5,000 in public funds by pocketing parking permit fees; code enforcement fees; utility receipts; water and sewer fees; and parking summons fees.

“I‘m dismayed that we continue to uncover local officials who take advantage of their position to steal taxpayer money,” said DiNapoli. “Local governments need to make sure proper controls are in place to protect public funds. I commend the city of Corning police department and District Attorney Baker for working closely with my staff to make sure this individual is held accountable for her actions.”

An audit and investigation was initiated by DiNapoli’s office at the request of city of Corning officials after they identified irregularities with finance department collections. The audit is expected to be finalized this month.

DiNapoli 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 [email protected], or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.