June Shepardson, a former town justice in Moravia, Cayuga County, has been charged with fourth-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing court funds.
The charge, which is a felony, comes after Shepardson’s resignation this past summer amidst a state investigation.
Shepardson, who had served in her judicial role since 2001, was suspended on July 5, as confirmed by her attorney, J. Justin Woods, following her arraignment in Aurelius Town Court.
The investigation, led by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, revealed that Shepardson was suspected of misappropriating over $6,000 from the town and village court funds of Moravia.
Following her resignation on September 1 and an agreement not to seek judicial office again, the commission concluded its investigation.
However, Shepardson still faces criminal charges. According to The Citizen, reps for Shepardson disclosed that she developed a gambling addiction, for which she is now seeking treatment and voluntarily exclusion.
While the resolution of the criminal case is pending, Woods expressed Shepardson’s intention to focus on her recovery and raise awareness about gambling addiction, particularly in rural areas.
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