Crawford Town Clerk Jolene Roy has voluntarily resigned following an ongoing investigation into irregularities with the town’s finances.

An irregularity was noted in reports submitted by the town clerk during a normal review of the town’s business practices in fall 2018.

Further review involving the police department and other auditors revealed further irregularities.

“All of these facts combined led us to believe that the town clerk’s actions rose to the level of improper conduct,” Town Supervisor Charles Carnes said.
After review the matter was turned over to the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation for further action. As of Feb. 12, no arrests had been made.

Jessica Kempter, Deputy Town Clerk and Confidential Secretary to the Supervisor, stepped in temporarily as town clerk and will hold the elected office until elections in November. The town is conducting interviews for deputy town clerk.

The town clerk is responsible for processing town dog, marriage and death certificates; park and senior rentals; and field use.

Carnes said all other town departments were reviewed and no other irregularities were noted.

“The supervisor and town board take very seriously the protection of town assets and along with our auditors are reviewing our current procedures to determine what additional safeguards need to be put in place,” Carnes said.

Roy has worked for the town since July 2007, first as a secretary to the supervisor then as deputy town clerk. Roy was finally hired as town clerk after Kelly Eskew resigned to become Deputy Orange County Clerk..
The State Police declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.