Alden Town Clerk Dorothy Bycina Being Investigated for Missing Money

Preliminary findings from a state audit of finances in the Town of Alden has led to a criminal investigation, and the town clerk is now on paid administrative leave.

The audit is being conducted by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's Office and is in the early stages; however, last week, workers with the comptroller's office briefed the Alden Town Board on the findings.

The audit has not been made public, but some of the findings prompted the town board to contact law enforcement to investigate possible criminal wrongdoing. The focus is on the town clerk.

Late Monday afternoon, the town supervisor said Town Clerk Dorothy Bycina was put on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita.

At this point, there have been no charges or arrests.

2 On Your Side contacted Ms. Bycina Monday morning. She was still working in her town hall office and had no comment. She was put on paid leave sometime after that conversation.

The audit into the town was regarding "financial controls" according to a spokesperson with the state comptroller's office.

D.A. Sedita would not comment at all on the investigation; however, the comptrollers office spokesperson said his colleagues have been contacted by law enforcement.