Former Andover municipal official arrested for misappropriation of funds - Financial officer charged with taking tax funds

Ogdensburg - An auditor’s investigation resulted in the arrest of Ogdensburg Borough Chief Financial Officer Rita Wildrick. The arrest capped a two-month investigation launched after an auditor uncovered a shortage in tax receipts. Wildrick, who lives in Andover, was arrested by Ogdensburg police and charged with theft, failing to make a required disposition of property, and official misconduct. According to William Fitzgibbons, of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Wildrick was later released on her own recognizance because she is not considered a flight risk. Fitzgibbons declined to comment on initial reports that Wildrick had allegedly misappropriated some $20,000 from taxes paid by 13 local property owners, only to say that the total amount of the alleged theft is still under investigation. Prior to becoming Ogdensburg’s chief financial officer, Wildrick was a tax collector and chief financial officer for Andover Borough. According to Fitzgibbons, during her tenure in Andover Borough, there were allegations of financial wrongdoing against Wildrick. “However,” the prosecutor said, “there were never any criminal charges brought against her, as far as I know.” Wildrick is scheduled to appear before the Ogbendsburg municipal court Dec. 7. Harold McGovern, Wildrick’s attorney, was not in his Newton office on Monday according to the receptionist and could not be reached for comment.