Bookkeeper sentenced after stealing thousands from Sag Harbor preschool
Lauren Comber, 30, of Sag Harbor, was arrested and charged Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, with grand larceny in connection with the theft of more than $35,000 from the Sag Harbor school where she worked as a bookkeeper, Southampton Town police said. Credit: Southampton Town Police
A former preschool bookkeeper was arrested, pleaded guilty and was sentenced all in the same day after police said she stole more than $35,000 from her Sag Harbor school.
In a deal negotiated over months, Lauren Comber, 30, of Sag Harbor, admitted to fourth-degree grand larceny after her arrest Tuesday, but if she stays out of trouble for a year, that charge would be reduced to disorderly conduct, a violation, said her attorney, Daniel Russo of Westhampton Beach.
Southampton Town police said she took the money from the Rainbow Preschool's bank account between November 2012 and January 2014, but Russo said she ran the school and used funds to buy supplies. He also disputed the amount and said she had repaid the funds, including money she used for her bills.
The school's president, Tricia Burke, said Comber was not authorized to make purchases and used the money to "fund her entire lifestyle."
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