State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said he’s pleased that convicted embezzler Mary Jo Guyette will be paying $117,120 in restitution rather than the loss being carried by the taxpayers of Potsdam.

“I’m glad our auditors and investigators were able to uncover this ongoing scam and ensure that the perpetrator, and not the taxpayers, will cover the cost,” DiNapoli said. “I thank District Attorney Mary Rain and the New York State Police for their work on this case.”

Guyette, 44, a former town court clerk, was sentenced Thursday to six months in jail, five years probation and ordered to pay $117,120 in restitution following her January guilty plea to third-degree grand larceny and first-degree falsifying business records, both felonies.

Guyette admitted to altering court records so she could pocket the public funds from 2009 to 2013.

“By working with the town of Potsdam’s judges, the diligent work of the comptroller’s investigators provided substantial evidence to bring this case to a successful resolution,” St. Lawrence County District Attorney Mary Rain said.

According to DiNapoli’s audit, Guyette recorded receipts for $115,045 in the Justice Court’s computerized database, but failed to send the money to the town, include the payments in monthly municipal reports or notify the state Justice Court Fund of the income. Auditors also identified a cash shortage of more than $2,000.

Since the thefts, town officials have taken several steps to improve the court’s financial oversight, DiNapoli’s press release said.