The Peru Gazette

Albany, March 20, 2026 – New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the arrest of MaryBeth Shults, the former Executive Director of the Fulton-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, for allegedly stealing $440,351 from the Chamber.

“Instead of helping small businesses grow and thrive in her community, Shults allegedly helped herself to $440,351 to fund her lifestyle,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to Montgomery County DA Pearson and State Police Superintendent James for their partnership in rooting out the misuse of public funds.”

“The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office takes matters of public trust and misuse of public funding very seriously,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson. “We thank the  New York State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli and his professional staff members and the members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation for their diligence in conducting this investigation, which led to the arrest of MaryBeth Shults for three felony level charges.”

“Cases like this represent a serious breach of trust and undermine the integrity of organizations that serve and support local communities,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “The New York State Police will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of financial crimes and hold individuals accountable when they exploit positions of authority for personal gain.”

Shults’ actions first came to light when she attempted to purchase a $160,000 home with Chamber of Commerce funds, prompting the launch of a joint investigation by State Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, the New York State Police and the Montgomery County District Attorney.

DiNapoli’s forensic examination of the Chamber’s accounts discovered that, in addition to the attempted home purchase, Shults embezzled over $440,000 in Chamber funds starting almost immediately upon appointment as the Chamber’s Executive Director in June of 2025.  As Executive Director, Shults had access to the Fulton-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce bank accounts. She allegedly used her access to write checks to herself, made unauthorized cash withdrawals, and pay for high priced items including a $57,000 down payment on a pick-up truck. She also spent $220,000 on personal farm equipment, a snowmobile, and furniture.

Shults was terminated in early March of this year when her alleged crimes came to light.

The Fulton-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce receives funding from Montgomery County, Fulton County, other local municipalities, and state grants.

She was charged with Grand Larceny second degree, Possession of a Forged Instrument first degree, and Falsifying Business Records first degree. Shults was arraigned before Judge Wayne Moratta in the Town of Amsterdam Town Court and is scheduled to appear back in court on May 5.

The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.