POTSDAM -- State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has expressed dismay at the actions of the former Potsdam court clerk accused of stealing $117,000 in court funds.

State Police today arrested Mary Jo E. Guyette, 43, former court clerk of the Potsdam Justice Court, on charges of second degree grand larceny and first degree falsifying business records, both felonies, officers said.

“I am dismayed by the flagrant manner in which this local official abused her position,” said DiNapoli in a prepared statement. “Town officials deserve credit for bringing their concerns about the justice court’s finances to my office. My auditors and investigators did a tremendous job uncovering the extent of this theft, and District Attorney Rain and the New York State Police took every step to ensure this individual was held accountable.”

This arrest stems from an investigation that began in June 2013 after Guyette came under suspicion for misappropriating court funds and altering computer and paper records while employed by the Town of Potsdam.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's office complete an audit and investigation, which determined that Guyette had stolen approximately $117,000 in court funds between 2009 and 2014, police said. She also altered records in order to cover up the theft.

Guyette was arraigned in Pierrepont Town Court and released under the supervision of the St. Lawrence County Department of Probation.