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Former N.J. borough clerk allegedly wrote $100K in checks to herself

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She is charged with official misconduct and could face 30 years in prison.

The former municipal clerk of a Warren County borough is accused of writing herself nearly $100,000 in checks over five years.

Kristine Henry, who went by the last name Blanchard while working for Washington Borough, was arrested Friday following an investigation dating to last July, when authorities raided her office, the county prosecutor's office announced Friday afternoon.

The 47-year-old Warren County native -- whose address was listed in the 600 block of West Berwick Street in Easton's South Side -- started as borough clerk in June 2006 and was named the borough's interim manager in 2012 before being appointed to both positions full-time.

She was making $97,680 in 2016, according to state pension records. She was suspended and eventually replaced in both jobs following the raid.

Authorities allege that between August 2011 and June 2016, in her capacity as clerk and registrar of vital statistics, Henry cashed checks to herself totaling $97,682. The checks were issued without providing receipts and without authorization from borough officials, the prosecutor's office said.

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Henry is charged with one count each of official misconduct, pattern of official misconduct and theft. Each is a second-degree charge carrying a sentence of five to 10 years, or a fine up to $150,000 if convicted.

Henry's first appearance in state Superior Court was Friday, the prosecutor's office said. It was unclear if she has retained an attorney, and contact information for Henry could not be found. 

Washington Township police -- who also cover the borough -- and the prosecutor's major crimes unit investigated.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

 

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