Former Broome County Executive Debbie Preston was arrested Monday morning and charged with three counts of official misconduct, according to the New York State Police.
The misdemeanor charges are connected to her use of a Town of Conklin credit card while she served as the town's supervisor, and carried over to her time as county executive. The official midsconduct charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail.
"I feel awful bad for her becuase she's done so much good for Conklin and for the people here. If she made one mistake like that, that's too bad," said Richard Nixon, a Broome County resident.
"I think that in history and politics, people frequently abuse their power in politics. I think that eventually they get caught," said Cathy Dillenbeck, a Whitney Point resident.
Preston admitted to using the card for personal purchases during an emotional press conference last October in the middle of a campaign for re-election. She lost the election the following month to Jason Garnar.
In response to her arrest, Garnar said, "We trust the judicial process will serve the people. Bottom line – NO politician is above the law.”
During that same press conference, Preston also said she reimbursed the town for the charges that she racked up.
"I have to say that I regret it. I'm sorry," Preston said. "It was told to me that this was resolved, that there were no issues here."
Preston is due in court next week. Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary was assigned as a special prosecutor to the case.