DiNapoli: Town of Alexander Clerk Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Nearly $3,000 of Taxpayer Funds

July 26, 2024

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Genesee County District Attorney Kevin T. Finnell, and the New York State Police announced the arrest of Shannon Tiede, the clerk of the Town of Alexander, for allegedly stealing nearly $3,000 from the town and altering town records to cover her theft.

"Ms. Tiede was entrusted to safeguard public finances but instead she allegedly abused her position to steal town funds and attempted to hide her crime," DiNapoli said. "I thank District Attorney Finnell and the State Police for their ongoing partnership in combatting public corruption."

Genesee County District Attorney Finnell said, "The Genesee County District Attorney's Office is committed to prosecute those who violate the public trust, particularly those who divert public funds to their own use. I would like to thank ADA Victor Mui, the State Comptroller and the New York State Police for their hard work on this investigation."

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "Ms. Tiede violated the public trust by disregarding the law and stealing from town funds. I applaud the Comptroller's Office, Genesee County District Attorney's Office and our State Police members for intercepting this deceitful act and making sure this individual will no longer take advantage of those who put their trust in her."

Tiede, 40, of Alexander, was first elected town clerk in 2019. An audit of the town by DiNapoli's office uncovered discrepancies in the town's finances and an investigation was opened. The investigation found that over the course of nearly four years, Tiede allegedly pocketed cash payments made to the town for various fees and then manipulated town records to disguise her thefts.

She was charged with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, Forgery in the Second Degree, and Corrupting the Government in the Third Degree.

She was arraigned before Judge Mattice in Genesee County Centralized Arraignment Part. Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 13, 2024 in the Town of Alexander Town Court.

The charges against the defendant are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236. Review prior cases at http://www.osc.state.ny.us/investigations.