AURELIUS (AP) -- A former town justice in Cayuga County was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay $10,747 in restitution for stealing traffic ticket funds from his own court.

Christopher Ramos appeared for sentencing Wednesday in Aurelius Town Court. Defense attorney Charles Marangola said Ramos was sorry for his actions.

Ramos pleaded guilty to petit larceny and official misconduct in July, admitting he stole $800 in court traffic ticket funds. He told police he was struggling with medical bills and intended to return the money.

A state audit determined at least $8,000 was stolen and another $2,600 was unaccounted for.

The thefts were discovered after people reported that their licenses were suspended despite having proof that they had paid their traffic tickets.

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