CANDOR, NY (WENY) -- A former village official in Tioga County has pleaded guilty to stealing tens of thousands of dollars over a period of several years.

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, along with New York State Police announced former Candor Village Mayor, Eric Halstead pleaded guilty to third degree Grand Larceny.

Halstead stole more than $23,000 in village funds between February of 2017, and May of 2023. According to the Comptroller's office, Halstead took the cash out of the village bank account for his own personal use, recording the withdrawals as "Mayor's Discretionary" or "ATM Withdrawal" in village records.

During that same time period, Halstead put back some $19,000 into the village's account. The theft was discovered after an outside consultant was assisting the village with its annual reports, and reported the unusual transactions to the Comptroller's office. According to DiNapoli, the withdrawals often coincided with times Halstead's personal bank account was low or overdrawn.

“Mr. Halstead betrayed the village he was entrusted to serve, taking what amounted to interest free loans from the people who elected him,” Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said. “His theft of public funds is contemptible and undermines public faith in government. My thanks to Tioga County District Attorney Kirk Martin and the New York State Police for their partnership in ensuring justice is served in this case.”

Halstead served as the mayor of the village of Candor from 2012 until July 2024, when he resigned. 

As part of his sentence, Halstead will serve 60 days in jail, with a three year conditional discharge. He has also agreed to never run for public office again. Halstead will be sentenced in April.