Jul 30, 2009 6:56 pm US/Eastern
Police: Town Clerk Pocketed Thousands In Scam
Brookhaven Marriage Officer Allegedly Overcharging Happy Couples Since 2006; Attorney Insists Prices Were Justified
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Prosecutors have accused Brookhaven town clerk Pamela Betheil of pocketing thousands of dollars earned by scamming unknowing couples on their wedding days.
Betheil's attorney, Jim O'Rourke, did all of the talking for his client on Thursday after she pleaded not guilty to charges of overcharging more than 100 couples to perform their wedding ceremonies.
"She's going to speak when she gets an opportunity to go to court," O'Rourke said.
Officials believe Betheil had been charging couples a fee of $200 in exchange for performing each marriage ceremony. But a Brookhaven township resolution limits the fee to $75 when a ceremony takes place after hours or outside of town hall.
O'Rourke claimed his client, one of the town's marriage officers, did charge couples a fee of $200 on multiple occasions. But he insisted she did so legally.
"She's charged for dispersements, for expenses and for the time and cost of going," O'Rourke said. "To suggest that this is a crime is unfortunate at best and, at worst, selective enforcement."
But Suffolk County's Assistant District Attorney, Mark Murray, begs to differ.
"Our investigation to date has established no legitimate expenses that could have been incurred other than minimal gas and mileage," Murray said. "There were no vouchers submitted to the town for these to the best of our knowledge. I don't know where this defense is coming from."
O'Rourke said Betheil has returned all of the money in question, although town supervisor Mark Lesko is demanding she resign anyway.
"It will be a distraction for everyone," Lesko said. "I think it would just be a better course for Mrs. Betheil to step aside."
Prosecutors believe Betheil had been scamming people since 2006, and that there are other couples who were overcharged but not reimbursed. They are urging those who may have been scammed to contact the Suffolk County Prosecutors office.
It is believed Betheil will continue to serve as town clerk for the time being. She is due back in court on October 2.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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