(WNY News Now) – Candor, NY – Former Village of Candor Mayor Eric Halstead pleaded guilty to stealing over $23,000 in public funds, according to an announcement from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the New York State Police. Halstead, who served as mayor from 2012 until his resignation in July 2024, took funds from the village’s bank account for personal use, misrepresenting the withdrawals as “Mayor’s Discretionary” or “ATM Withdrawal.” The thefts, which took place between February 2017 and May 2023, were discovered by an outside consultant assisting with the village’s annual financial reports. The consultant flagged suspicious transactions, prompting an investigation by DiNapoli’s office.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Halstead withdrew $23,519 in total, often at times when his personal bank account was nearly empty or overdrawn. While some money was repaid intermittently, Halstead returned only $19,302 of the stolen funds over the six-year period. As part of his plea, he has repaid the full balance of $23,519.
“Mr. Halstead betrayed the village he was entrusted to serve, taking what amounted to interest free loans from the people who elected him,” DiNapoli said. “His theft of public funds is contemptible and undermines public faith in government. My thanks to District Attorney Martin and the New York State Police for their partnership in ensuring justice is served in this case.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Today’s guilty plea by former Village of Candor Mayor Eric Halstead underscores our unwavering commitment holding accountable those who misuse their public positions for personal gain. I appreciate the work of Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s team, Tioga County District Attorney Kirk Martin, and our members. Public officials have a duty to act with integrity and transparency, and this case serves as a clear reminder that abuses of power will not be tolerated.”
Halstead’s guilty plea was entered before Judge Adam R. Schumacher in Tioga County Court, where he pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree. His sentencing is set for April 14, with a likely sentence of 60 days in jail, a three-year conditional discharge, and an agreement never to run for public office again.
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