Former Village of Candor Mayor Eric Halstead has pleaded guilty to stealing $23,000 in public funds, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the New York State Police. Halstead, who served as mayor from 2012 until his resignation following his arrest in July 2024, admitted to using village funds for personal expenses.
“Mr. Halstead betrayed the trust of the village he was elected to serve,” DiNapoli said. “His theft is contemptible and undermines faith in government. I thank Tioga County District Attorney Kirk Martin and the State Police for ensuring justice is served.”
The investigation revealed that Halstead withdrew funds from the village’s bank account between February 2017 and May 2023, disguising the transactions as “Mayor’s Discretionary” or “ATM Withdrawal” in village records. The stolen funds often coincided with times when Halstead’s personal account was nearly empty or overdrawn. While he returned $19,302 irregularly during the six-year span, he has since repaid the full amount as part of his plea agreement.
State Police Superintendent Steven G. James underscored the importance of holding public officials accountable. “This case is a reminder that abuses of power will not be tolerated,” he said, commending the work of DiNapoli’s office and local authorities.
Halstead pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree in Tioga County Court. Judge Adam R. Schumacher is expected to sentence him to 60 days in jail, followed by a three-year conditional discharge. As part of the agreement, Halstead has agreed never to seek public office again. Sentencing is scheduled for April 14.
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