Bridget Brown, the former treasurer of the Essex County Agricultural Society and former Willsboro town clerk and tax collector, has been sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay restitution totaling nearly $90,000. The sentencing follows her guilty plea to charges of grand larceny in the second degree and grand larceny in the third degree as a crime of public corruption.
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli commented on the case: “Bridget Brown abused the trust of multiple communities and treated public money in her care as her own to fund her lifestyle. Now she is a convicted felon and has been ordered to repay the money she stole. This case should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can steal from their community and get away with it. My thanks to Franklin County District Attorney Crawford and Superintendent James for their partnership in ensuring Bridget Brown was held accountable for her crimes.”
Franklin County District Attorney Elizabeth Crawford added: “I am thankful to the investigators who dedicated themselves to the successful prosecution of this case, which required the review and analysis of thousands of pages of records that spanned a period of theft from 2013 until 2021 between two organizations and three separate job titles that the defendant held. On the eve of the 176th Essex County Fair, we are hopeful that defendant will pay restitution to that organization promptly. Ms. Brown stole from the public for years without remorse and now has to face the consequences of her actions.”
Executive Assistant District Attorney Alyxandra Stanczak prosecuted the case.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “This case is a clear example of how public corruption erodes trust and harms the very communities public servants are sworn to serve. Ms. Brown betrayed that trust for personal gain, but thanks to the thorough investigative work and strong interagency cooperation, she is being held accountable. I thank Comptroller DiNapoli and District Attorney Crawford for their continued partnership in protecting New Yorkers from fraud and abuse.”
Brown’s employment with both organizations spanned several years; she worked for the Essex County Agricultural Society from 2013 through 2019, while serving as Willsboro’s town clerk/tax collector from 2014 through 2021.
According to authorities, Brown stole about $60,000 from Essex County Agricultural Society by inflating her paychecks, making unauthorized ATM withdrawals, and using society funds for personal purchases. She also created false business records in an attempt to hide these activities. Additionally, she took approximately $29,000 from Willsboro by keeping payments made by residents for taxes, licenses, and landfill fees.
Brown pleaded guilty in May before Judge Tatiana Coffinger at Essex County Court. The judge ordered full restitution plus a 10% surcharge—bringing total repayment owed by Brown up to $97,600.
Comptroller DiNapoli has emphasized his office’s ongoing efforts against public corruption since taking office in 2007. He encourages New Yorkers who suspect fraud involving taxpayer money to report it via phone at 1-888-672-4555 or online at https://www.osc.ny.gov/investigations.
