New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott announced today that a Seneca County clerk has been charged with illegally accessing the computer records of a local motorist.
Patricia I. Bourne, a 56-year-old License Clerk from Waterloo, was charged with 11 felony counts of Computer Trespass and one misdemeanor count of Official Misconduct for repeatedly accessing the records of an individual known to her between December 2012 and January 2013. Bourne admitted to Inspector General investigators that she accessed the records as a favor for a friend.
“We entrust our employees who have access to personal information with the critical task of safeguarding the privacy of New Yorkers,” said Inspector General Scott. “What allegedly occurred here was an abuse of that trust. My office stands ready to investigate and prevent such misconduct across the state so that all New Yorkers can be confident that the State of New York protects their personal records with diligence, vigilance, and effectiveness.”
Bourne, who has been employed by the county for approximately 20 years, admitted to accessing the records without authorization.
Bourne is scheduled to appear June 5, 2013 before Judge Dean Mattoon of the Waterloo Village Court.
Inspector General Scott thanked the New York State Police for their assistance in with the case, and the Seneca County District Attorney’s Office for the prosecution of this matter.
Seneca County’s Department of Motor Vehicle’s office, where Bourne is employed, is located at 1 DiPronio Dr., Waterloo, NY.
The Defendant is innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
SOURCE: NYS Inspector General