Former Upstate NY Mayor Pleads Guilty to Stealing $23K From Tax Payers
His sentencing, scheduled for April 14, includes a proposed sentence of 60 days in jail, a three-year conditional discharge, and a lifetime ban from holding public office.
Former Village of Candor Mayor Eric Halstead has pleaded guilty to stealing $23,000 from village funds, according to an announcement by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the New York State Police.
“Mr. Halstead betrayed the village he was entrusted to serve, taking what amounted to interest-free loans from the people who elected him,” said DiNapoli. “His theft of public funds is contemptible and undermines public faith in government.” DiNapoli credited Tioga County District Attorney Kirk Martin and the New York State Police for their efforts in securing justice.
State Police Superintendent Steven G. James emphasized the importance of accountability in public service, stating, “Public officials have a duty to act with integrity and transparency. This case serves as a clear reminder that abuses of power will not be tolerated.”
An investigation revealed that Halstead, who served as mayor from 2012 until his resignation in July 2024, regularly withdrew cash from the village’s bank account for personal use. These withdrawals were recorded in village records as “Mayor’s Discretionary” or “ATM Withdrawal.”
The irregularities came to light when an outside consultant, assisting the village with its annual reports, flagged the transactions. DiNapoli’s office launched an investigation, uncovering that Halstead withdrew $23,519 between February 2017 and May 2023. The withdrawals often coincided with periods when Halstead’s personal bank account was either empty or overdrawn.
Though Halstead intermittently deposited $19,302 back into the village account over the six-year period, he left a deficit of over $4,000. As part of his plea agreement, he repaid the remaining balance.
Halstead pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree before Judge Adam R. Schumacher in Tioga County Court. His sentencing, scheduled for April 14, includes a proposed sentence of 60 days in jail, a three-year conditional discharge, and a lifetime ban from holding public office.