Dutchess County Town Clerk Stole Over $27,000 From Town

A town clerk from Dutchess County admitted she stole over $27,000 from the town.

On Tuesday, Pleasant Valley Town Clerk Margaret Hart pleaded guilty to grand larceny, a felony.

Hart admitted that over a four-year period, 2012-2016, she stole over $27,000 from funds collected by the Town Clerk's office for various fees. Fees included money for refuse tickets, marriage licenses, hunting licenses and property taxes, officials say.

According to a press release, Hart was previously told if she pleaded guilty, resigned from her position and made a full restitution, she would be sentenced to five years probation.

Westchester County Court Judge George Fufidio, sitting as an acting Dutchess County judge, said if the conditions are fulfilled, he will sentence Hart to a three-year conditional discharge with the condition she performs 300 hours of community service at the Pleasant Valley Food Pantry.