(WNY News Now) – Buffalo – A former Erie County Deputy Clerk has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $320,000 in cash payments from the Clerk’s Office, facing up to 15 years in prison.
Alexander J. McDougall, 55, of Buffalo, has pleaded guilty to charges of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree. The guilty plea, announced by Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane, was entered before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio.
Between April 2, 2019, and June 30, 2023, McDougall, while serving as a Deputy Clerk in the Registrar’s Division of the Erie County Clerk’s Office, embezzled $320,159.33. He manipulated cashier reports and submitted fraudulent bank deposit tickets to conceal his theft, using the stolen funds to cover personal expenses, including rent.
The investigation into the missing funds began following an audit by the Erie County Comptroller’s Office last summer. McDougall was suspended in mid-September 2023 and subsequently fired. Additionally, he failed to report the embezzled money on his tax returns, resulting in $11,847.00 in unpaid state income taxes.
As part of his plea, McDougall signed Confessions of Judgment, agreeing to pay full restitution to both Erie County and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
McDougall is scheduled for sentencing on October 25, 2024, where he could face up to 15 years in prison. He is currently released on his own recognizance.
Acting District Attorney Keane praised the collaboration between the Erie County Comptroller’s Office, the New York State Comptroller’s Office, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, which was instrumental in uncovering the theft. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust and the commitment to prosecuting financial crimes.
The case was handled by Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Public Integrity Unit, which targets corruption at all levels of government. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office encourages the public to report any suspected violations through their Public Integrity Complaint Form or by calling their office.
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