Crime & Safety

Central Falls Investigating Smithfield Woman's Work As Clerk After Embezzlement

Joyce Tager's time with city since 2006 under scrutiny

 

Central Falls officials are reviewing the last eight years of records after clerk Joyce Tager, 53, of 526 Putnam Pike, Smithfield, admitted to embezzeling $13,620 from the city since July 2011. 

On Feb. 5, members of the Major Crimes Unit arrested Tager, 53, at Central Falls City hall at about 5 p.m. after an audit conducted by the city's Finance Director Linda Dykeman. The audit revealed checks in the city’s Office of Accounts Receivable that were never transferred to the Assistant Director of Finance for deposit.  

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Central Falls Mayor James Diossa, in cooperation with the city’s Office of Receiver, contacted the Rhode Island State Police to request an investigation into the money collected by the city’s Municipal Court for fines. “I was made aware of the issue as soon as my staff discovered it and we called the State Police immediately," Diossa said.

Tager, a clerk in charge of the accounts receivable department at City Hall, admitted to detectives that she received the money from the Municipal Court Clerk, destroyed the records of the transfer and converting the cash to her own use. RI State Police Maj. Michael Winquist said the department does not have information on what she spent the money on.

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The city will conduct a more in-depth audit to determine if any additional funds were stolen, according to Winquist. At this point in the investigation, it appears no other city employees were involved. The investigation is ongoing.

Tager was processed at the Lincoln Barracks and arraigned before a Justice of the Peace and released on $5,000 personal recognizance.

"I want to thank the State Police for their prompt response and continuing assistance with this ongoing investigation,” Diossa said.

 


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