CASE UPDATE: Carbon County’s Former Clerk of Courts Sentenced for Theft of Bail, Fingerprint Fees

November 15, 2019 | Topic: Criminal

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Josh Shapiro said today former Carbon County Clerk of Courts William McGinley was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison and fined $25,000 for stealing $43,000 in bail money and fingerprint fees. McGinley, 60, of Lehighton, pleaded guilty Aug. 12 to theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received, tampering with public records, and obstruction of the administration of law.

“The defendant violated the public’s trust when he helped himself to funds he was not entitled, disregarding the needs of the people waiting for payment at the conclusion of their cases,” AG Shapiro said. “It is because of my Office’s investigation and prosecution that Carbon County got its money back and this former clerk of courts is being held responsible for his actions. My Office will continue to hold anyone who abuses their position of authority accountable, no matter who they are.”

McGinley was elected to the position of clerk of courts in 1990 and held the seat until early 2018. His misconduct began as early as 2013. He was arrested and charged in December 2018.

To date, McGinley has paid more than $40,000 in restitution. Deputy Attorney General Rebecca Elo prosecuted the case.

# # #