SYRACUSE -- Jill Harvey was arraigned Tuesday morning by City Court Judge Karen Uplinger on a misdemeanor petit larceny charge.
Her attorney Joseph Callahan revealed to reporters following her arraignment that she resigned from her position as state Director of Rural Development for the USDA yesterday. The USDA had put Harvey on paid leave last week. Callahan also said, "It's a difficult process. We hope to resolve this without further damage to this good woman's reputation."
Harvey was appointed to the post by President Obama in 2009. Prior to that she worked as Regional Director for Senator Chuck Schumer. She also served as legislative and staff director for Former Assemblymen Pete Grannis and Michael Bragman.
Harvey allegedly shoplifted several bottles of hair products and a bracelet from Industry Hair Salon in Armory Square on March 21st and was caught on a surveillance video.
Harvey has pleaded not guilty to shoplifting charges.
Industry Hair Salon owner, Chris Christman, told CNY Central's Jim Kenyon that when he confronted Harvey, she, at first, denied she was stealing, but tried to take back the products she had allegedly taken. When told of Harvey's resignation, Christman said: "Makes me feel much better....She is no longer trying to control our government or has anything to do with money that taxpayers work hard for."
Harvey was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court again on May 15 a pre-trial conference.
Read the police report.
(Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.)
