Youngstown Official Arrested for Grand Larceny
Alexandra P. Certo was taken into custody following an investigation into unauthorized village account transactions.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Police have arrested Alexandra P. Certo on charges of grand larceny and falsifying business records. Authorities allege she used a Village of Youngstown account for over $28,400 in personal purchases.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights the vulnerability of local municipal accounts to internal fraud. Officials are currently investigating the extent of the misuse, with the possibility of additional charges against the suspect.
Alexandra P. Certo faces one count of third-degree grand larceny and five counts of first-degree falsifying business records. She was held at the Niagara County Correctional Facility pending her arraignment.
The players
Alexandra P. Certo
She is the individual charged with grand larceny and falsifying business records in connection to local government funds.
Niagara County Sheriff's Office
This local law enforcement agency conducted the investigation and managed the arrest of the suspect.
The details
The investigation determined that Certo utilized a Village of Youngstown account to facilitate unauthorized personal transactions. Following her arrest by the Niagara County Sheriff's office, she was transported to the county facility to await legal proceedings.
Timeline
The sheriff's office reported the arrest and investigation on October 9, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows standard prosecutorial protocols in New York regarding the misappropriation of municipal resources. The charges reflect the state's stringent penal codes concerning the falsification of business records by public-facing actors.
Residents of Youngstown may see increased scrutiny regarding local government accounting procedures following this arrest. The case serves as a reminder of the security measures protecting municipal funds used for public services.
The takeaway
Public entities frequently undergo internal auditing to prevent the unauthorized use of government accounts. Taxpayers are encouraged to monitor local budget transparency reports to ensure the integrity of village funds.
What happens next
A future court date will be scheduled for the defendant in the Town of Porter.
Further reading
For more information on similar cases, visit the Financial Crime section.
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