Former Town Supervisor Charged with Stealing Public Funds

Case highlights broader concerns about financial accountability in local government

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:04pm

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A former town supervisor in upstate New York has been charged with stealing public funds after allegedly paying himself extra money from the municipal budget without approval. The case underscores broader concerns about public trust in local government, as a similar issue was recently seen in the nearby Village of Florida.

Why it matters

Misuse of public funds by local officials, even in relatively small amounts, can significantly undermine public confidence in government. These cases highlight the importance of financial accountability and transparency in municipal operations.

The details

Johnathan D. Kersman, 37, of Worcester, New York, was arrested on February 26 following a joint investigation by the New York State Comptroller's Office and the Otsego County Sheriff's Office. Investigators determined that Kersman paid himself more than $2,000 above his authorized salary while serving as supervisor of the Town of Decatur. Kersman has been charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and official misconduct.

  • Kersman was arrested on February 26, 2026.
  • The investigation was conducted with assistance from the New York State Comptroller's Division of Investigations.

The players

Johnathan D. Kersman

A 37-year-old former town supervisor of the Town of Decatur, New York, who has been charged with stealing public funds.

New York State Comptroller's Office

A state agency that routinely examines financial irregularities in local governments across New York.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that assisted in the investigation of Kersman.

Daniel Harter Jr.

The current mayor of the Village of Florida, whose actions recently resulted in a lawsuit and a court ruling that they were "clearly arbitrary, capricious and without any basis in law."

Robert McElduff

The Orange County Supreme Court judge who ruled on the case involving the Village of Florida mayor.

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What they’re saying

“Public officials are entrusted with taxpayer dollars. Any misuse of those funds undermines public confidence in government.”

— Comptroller investigators

“Local government operates on a level of trust that is often closer to home than state or federal politics. When that trust is violated, the damage to public confidence can be significant.”

— Municipal governance expert

What’s next

The judge in the Kersman case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

These cases highlight the importance of financial accountability and transparency in municipal operations. Even relatively small instances of misuse of public funds can significantly undermine public trust in local government, underscoring the need for robust oversight and strong ethical standards for public officials.