Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji today announced the sentencing of Haley Whalen, whose convictions for Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree, stemmed from actions she improperly took while employed by the Town of Saugerties Court.
While working for the court, the defendant dismissed charges against the father of her child, without the authorization of any judge of that court to do so. She did this on separate dates.
In addition to 8 months she already spent in jail for a DWI case, she was sentenced to five years of probation, during which time she will be monitored and supervised. Additionally, she is required to make restitution for $100 to the court.
District Attorney Nneji condemned the fraud, emphasizing its far-reaching consequences for the court system and for the public:
“Tampering with court records is not a victimless crime, or a small matter; it is at the heart of fairness and justice for all,” said DA Nneji. “This fraud upon the court and the citizens of Saugerties undermines public trust and confidence in our judicial system. This corruption of official access and power for personal favors and gain must be discouraged with prosecution to preserve the public’s right to a fair process and the integrity of any court in Ulster County.”
The New York State Police investigated this crime and filed the charges.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief ADA Paul Derohannesian and Senior ADA Karin Intermill.
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