Morris Woman Steals $34K From School District

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon announced Kristina Hand, 47, of Morris, New York, has pleaded guilty to stealing at least $34,000 from her former employer, the Morris Central School District.

“Stealing money meant for the education of children is shameful,” DiNapoli said. “Ms. Hand abused her position to fund her lifestyle at the expense of her community. Thanks to our partnership with Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, the FBI and the State Police, she has been held accountable for her actions. I thank them for their continued collaboration in combating public corruption.”

Hand pleaded guilty to two counts of federal program theft, for stealing from a school district that received federal funds.

From 2014 through February 2020, Hand was the treasurer for the Morris Central School District in Otsego County. In pleading guilty, she admitted that she stole about $24,000 by depositing checks payable to the school district into bank accounts that she controlled. She also admitted to stealing at least $10,000 more by using the school district’s Amazon account and credit cards to purchase items for her personal use.

Hand is scheduled to be sentenced May 21, 2021. She faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. Hand has also agreed to pay $34,000 in restitution.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the New York State Police, and the Office of the New York State Comptroller, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.