A former Steuben County Park Department employee is facing charges after investigators say more than $44,000 collected from rentals and fees was never deposited.

A probable cause affidavit filed Monday accuses Sara B. Smith of taking $44,141.27 between November 2021 and January 2025 while she worked as the park department’s assistant superintendent.

Smith resigned in January 2025. The investigation started after a state audit found a major drop in expected revenue.

Auditors determined money collected from campground fees, dock rentals, electricity charges, event reservations and security deposits was missing from department accounts.