A former executive director of a regional chamber of commerce in Upstate New York is accused of stealing more than $470,000 from the organization over the course of several months, according to state police.
Authorities say Marybeth C. Shults, 32, of Canajoharie, used her position at the Fulton-Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce to access bank accounts and move funds for personal use.
Investigators allege the thefts began shortly after she was appointed in June 2025 and continued into early 2026. Officials say she used chamber money to cover personal expenses, including housing-related debt, a vehicle down payment, and purchases of farm equipment, snowmobiles, and other items.
State police say Shults also allegedly falsified signatures and business records to authorize transfers and conceal the transactions.
The alleged misuse of funds was uncovered after suspicious bank activity prompted an investigation. She was later terminated in March 2026.
Shults has been charged with grand larceny, possession of a forged instrument, and falsifying business records. She was arraigned in Amsterdam Town Court and released. She is due back in court in May.
The chamber serves hundreds of local businesses across Fulton and Montgomery counties and receives funding from local governments and state grants.
