SHERMAN — There appears to be a resolution to the theft of village funds by a former clerk and treasurer.

Earlier this month, Mayor Colleen Meeder extended her appreciation to the county District Attorney’s Office for its efforts that resulted in the restitution of a portion of the loss suffered by the village from the removal of cash for personal use by Ann Gilbert.

“Restitution will be made monthly over three years,” she said. “The resources it took to see this case adjudicated is staggering.”

Gilbert was facing a felony charge for the alleged theft of more than $20,000 in cash paid by residents from 2012 to 2016 for village sewer, water and taxes.

The third-degree grand larceny charge was announced in August 2022 following an investigation by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

Gilbert, then 55, was residing in Florida.

“Ms. Gilbert allegedly betrayed her neighbors by pocketing tax payments to pay her personal expenses,” DiNapoli said last year. “I thank District Attorney Schmidt and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office for partnering with my office to hold her accountable.”

Gilbert embezzled village funds to pay for her personal utility bills and purchases from QVC, Dollar General, Walmart, Amazon and Pampered Chef. To conceal her crimes, DiNapoli said she stopped recording cash village tax payments and, instead, pocketed the money.

After Meeder discovered Gilbert’s actions, she reported them to the state comptroller and the district attorney who commenced an investigation. Gilbert was the village treasurer from June 2007 until August 2016.

Reporter David Prenatt contributed to this report.