Former employee admits to stealing over $320K from Erie County Clerk's Office

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo man who formerly worked for the Erie County Clerk's Office as a deputy clerk pleaded guilty Friday morning to stealing over $300,000 from his ex-employer, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.

Between around April 2, 2019 and around June 30, 2023, Alexander J. McDougall, 55, stole a sum of cash in excess of $50k while working as a deputy clerk in the Registrar's Division, officials said. The total theft amount is believed to be $320,159.33.

McDougall attempted to conceal the crime by altering cashier reports and submitting fake bank deposits, according to officials. He used the money to pay for his rent among other personal experiences.

McDougall was suspended from his position in September 2023 and later fired.

“I am pleased to announce that this defendant has pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge," said Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane. "For more than four years, he used his position in the Clerk’s Office to steal a significant sum of money from the residents of Erie County. While uncovering financial crimes can be an extensive and time-consuming process, I want the public to know that we are committed to obtaining justice and restoring their trust in government by prosecuting the offenders and seeking full restitution."

McDougall pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree grand larceny and one count of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. As a condition of the plea, McDougall signed Confessions of Judgment to pay full restitution to Erie County.

He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 25. He remains released on his own recognizance.