Former Bennington City Clerk Admits Embezzlement

A former city clerk for the city of Bennington has pleaded guilty to embezzlement.

According to U.S. Attorney Tom Beall’s office, 43-year-old Janetta Marie Buttery pleaded guilty Monday to one count of interstate transportation of stolen funds.

In her plea, Buttery said she served as city clerk from October 2014 to May 2016 and left the position before the city discovered the crime. In her position as clerk she had access to credit cards belonging to the city and the city’s Recreation Commission. She used the cards to make unauthorized payments totaling more than $75,000.

Sentencing is set for March 6. She faces a penalty of up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.