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The City Treasurer of Johnstown, Thomas Herr, has been arrested following an investigation that revealed significant financial discrepancies. According to the Johnstown Police Department, Herr faces charges of official misconduct, falsifying business records, and grand larceny.
The investigation began after the New York State and Local Retirement System notified city officials of missed payments totaling $1.57 million, due on February 1, 2025. These missed payments resulted in approximately $23,600 in fines for the city. An internal review uncovered several cash payment envelopes in the Treasurer's Office that appeared tampered with, showing discrepancies between recorded deposits and actual cash amounts.
Authorities allege that Herr engaged in a pattern of taking cash from one payment and replacing it later with funds from another, using some of the money for personal use. More than $6,000 in missing and misappropriated funds were identified before Herr's signatory authority was revoked.
Further investigation, conducted with an external accounting firm, revealed 88 transactions totaling over $554,000 that needed verification. These funds have since been confirmed as legitimate, and the city continues to reconcile its accounts. Herr has been processed and released pending arraignment in Johnstown City Court.