LANCASTER - More than three months after she was arrested and accused of stealing town money while serving as Dalton's town clerk, Sandy York is due for her day in court today.

York, the clerk for more than 33 years, and known to many residents in her North Country town of fewer than 1,000 people, has maintained her innocence since her Sept. 24 arrest.

Through her attorney, Leonard Harden, she has insisted she's been looking forward to appearing in Lancaster District Court to clear her name.

Her opportunity is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. today before a judge. Even if she is found guilty, she'll serve no jail time, Harden said Friday.

"She's charged with a Class B misdemeanor; there's no possibility of jail. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a $1,200 fine," he said.

Harden said there may be three witnesses, besides York, taking the stand, including former town officials and Dalton Police Chief Mario Audit.

Harden said he expected the case to be resolved Monday afternoon and knows his client is anxious to put the matter behind her.

"This has really been emotionally upsetting to Sandy; she looks forward to having it over," he said.

York has declined to speak publicly since, according to court records, town police came up with a video tape from a security camera at the town offices that they claim shows York taking $100 or more from the town's cash receipts on Aug. 9 and placing it in her pocketbook.

The charge against her does not specify an amount, Harden said, but accuses her of "knowingly taking cash."

Other town employees have been performing the clerk's duties since York's arrest.

After releasing a brief printed statement in September to assure residents town funds were safe, selectmen refused to discuss the accusation publicly.

bhookway@newstote.com