Former Clerk Loses Pension After Embezzlement

Ursula Stone, a former clerk from Addison, New York, has become the first public official in the state to lose her pension due to corruption under a 2011 anti-corruption law. Over her 19-year tenure, she embezzled $1,171,362 from village funds, exploiting her position to issue unauthorized pay raises, cash checks meant for the village, and process health insurance payouts. Stone pleaded guilty to a felony charge and is set to be sentenced to three to nine years in prison. The case highlights the effectiveness of state oversight, as it was uncovered following a 2022 audit by the New York State Comptroller's office. Following her resignation in March 2023, authorities prevented her from cashing a final unauthorized check for $26,613. District Attorney Brooks Baker emphasized that this case serves as a warning to those who abuse public trust.