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

DiNapoli: Former Clerk Padded Her Pay With Town Funds

Former Clerk for the Town of Minerva Arrested

November 23, 2016

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the arrest of Jordan Green after an investigation and audit found that she paid herself thousands of dollars in unauthorized payroll payments. Green also had the town pay back her loans from the state’s retirement system while employed as the clerk to the supervisor for the Town of Minerva. The arrest is the result of DiNapoli's partnership with the New York State Police and Essex County District Attorney Kristy Sprague.

"Ms. Green used her control over the town's accounts to allegedly give herself a raise and have taxpayers pay back a loan," DiNapoli said. "Thanks to our investigators and auditors, her fraud was exposed. I thank Essex County District Attorney Kristy Sprague and the New York State Police for their work and partnership in combatting public corruption."

"This arrest once again demonstrates the hard work of law enforcement partners focused on the same goal; holding those who break our laws, accountable," said Superintendent George P. Beach II. "The victims in this case were the residents who put their trust in this town employee. They deserved better. I commend and thank our partners at the State Comptroller’s Office for their commitment to investigating those who prey on the unsuspecting public."

Green, 30, is charged with third degree grand larceny, two counts of fourth degree grand larceny and three felony counts of defrauding the government. She was arraigned in Schroon Lake Justice Court this morning, in front of Justice William H. Tribou, III and released on her own recognizance. Her next court date is Nov. 30.

As the clerk to the supervisor for the Town of Minerva, Green was responsible for processing payroll, calculating employee benefits and collecting payments to the town.

The investigation and audit revealed that Green, during the course of her official duties, funneled almost $9,000 to her personal account from the town's payroll account. DiNapoli's office also found that Green, who is a member of the state's retirement system, used town funds to pay back loans she took from the retirement system of more than $1,500. Green also directed more than $1,000 in town funds to pay medical contributions instead of making deductions from her paycheck.

Green, an employee of the Town of Minerva since July 2010, resigned in April 2015, a month after an investigation from by the Comptroller’s office was launched.

DiNapoli's audits and investigations have led to more than 130 arrests and more than $30 million in restitutions since 2011. 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 [email protected], or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.