The special prosecutor handling former Broome County Executive Debbie Preston's case is speaking out.
Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary says after an extensive investigation, he and state police deemed criminal charges were necessary.
Preston is accused of unlawfully obtaining a credit card in her name and in the town of Conklin's name while she was town supervisor. She was arrested and charged with three counts of official misconduct, Monday.
From 2011 to 2012, prosecutors say Preston spent more than $20,000, which she paid off on her own.
Fazzary says that was taken into consideration when the charges were filed. He says Broome County residents have reached out to him, some pleased with the charges and others hoping she gets a second chance.
"I look at it and say, 'there are arguments on both sides.' That wasn't my job. My job was to gather and review the evidence and make a determination. I'm well aware of all that she has undergone in her personal life and I'm well aware that if you're a public official you can't get away with things like this,” Fazzary said.
Preston is scheduled for arraignment April 25.