Comptroller: Past Old Field Treasurer Stole $60K from Village

A state audit and investigation into the Village of Old Field has uncovered the alleged theft of close to $60,000 in village money by its former treasurer, the state comptroller announced Wednesday.

Andrea Brosnan, 42, of Port Jefferson, was arrested Wednesday. She pleaded not guilty in District Court to charges of second-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records, and defrauding the government, each a felony, as well as official misconduct, a misdemeanor. She was released on her own recognizance.

“Instead of guarding taxpayer dollars and using them for proper village purposes, this former official stole tens of thousands of dollars to purchase clothing, electronics, gas, postage, utility payments and even used public money to help pay for her divorce," Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said in a statement.

The alleged misappropriation of funds came as a result of an audit by DiNapoli, who then worked with District Attorney Tom Spota to make the arrest.

Brosnan worked for Old Field since 2008, when she served as deputy village clerk. She was appointed treasurer in January 2009 and held the position until March of 2012.

Spota said in a statement: “Almost immediately after her appointment, Ms. Brosnan began taking money by making payments from the village account to pay her personal credit cards, utility bills and cell phone bills. She falsified entries in the village ledger to make the entries appear to be legitimate. There is also evidence Ms. Brosnan secured, without authorization, village gas card accounts to purchase fuel for her own vehicle, and to buy cigarettes, food, and beverages."

In a statement to Patch, Old Field mayor Michael Levine said: "I don't want to rush to judgment. ... She had the responsibility of safeguarding the taxpayers' money, and if she took advantage of her position and used village funds for personal acquisitions, then shame on her for violating the trust we placed in her."

DiNapoli said an audit of the Village of Old Field is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.