Pocono News Section

Pittston Township Clerk Facing Theft Charges

Pittston Township Clerk Facing Theft Charges - Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 2:43PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka & Eric Deabill
Thursday, Feb 21, 2008 @02:43pm EST

PITTSTON TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY - The former clerk of Pittston Township is facing theft charges. Police say Carolyn Tirone pocketed more than $31,000 in taxpayer money.

With her lawyer at her side, Carolyn Tirone entered a magistrate's office in Plains Township Thursday morning. Tirone, who worked as the Pittston Township clerk for the last nine years, turned herself in on charges of stealing the money.

"She's had some personal problems that caused her to do something out of character for her. She's a 68-year-old woman who's led an exemplory life. She's never even had a traffic ticket," her attorney Michael Butera said.

Prosecutors say Tirone started taking money from garbage fees and zoning permits in 2005. She was caught after an audit turned up discrepancies.

Police Chief Steven Rinaldi, who has worked closely with Tirone, was forced to arrest his associate.

"It was difficult. I have to do my job. It hurts," Chief Rinaldi said.

Tirone faces a maximum of seven years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors say they will take on any case where people steal taxpayer money.

"People in positions of public trust are going to be held to that higher standard. They're entrusted with these tasks and when they're not carried out properly, this is the unfortunate result of it," Assistant District Attorney Thomas Killino said.

Insurance is expected to cover the township's loss. Tirone's attorney says he won't rule out a plea deal.

"She has accepted responsibility for what she did. We will review the figures to make sure the figures are accurate and she will make restitution in the quickest way she can," Butera said.

Tirone is free on bail. She has already waived the charges onto Luzerne County court.