PORT HENRY---The Port Henry village clerk has been released on her own recognizance after being charged Tuesday with stealing an undisclosed amount of money from the village.

Barbara Tesar, 44, of Port Henry who has been clerk for about six years, was taken into custody by the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at the Westport State Police station and charged with third degree grand larceny and first degree falsifying business records.

The State Comptroller's Office will conduct a forensic audit of the village books in an attempt to determine just how much money is missing from the village.

Police said that they were contacted several weeks ago by village mayor Ruth McDonough who alleged that money was missing from cash receipts handled by Tesar for such items real property taxes, water and sewer rents and landfill fees.

The position of clerk is bonded and if the proper bond is in place, the village should be indemnified for any monetary loss.

Tesar has been on sick leave for about three weeks.

Records of the village finances were kept by hand rather than being computerized. Officials said that they will seek approval to purchase a computer and accounting software. 3-28-07

© 2007 North Country Gazette