After Hoose’s death, The Bonadio Group resumed its audit, which quickly revealed financial irregularities spanning more than a decade. The audit team uncovered 637 instances between 2012 and 2023 where the amount deposited by the Clerk’s office was less than the reported revenue. In total, $453,364 was found to be missing, much of it in cash.

According to the report, the county has no viable legal options at this time to recover the stolen funds, based on the recommendation of outside counsel.

An audit has accused the late Ontario County Clerk Matthew Hoose of embezzling nearly a half-million dollars. The investigation began after the Department of State noticed delayed reports and payments from Hoose.

The findings released on Tuesday were based on a forensic accounting audit and criminal investigation of former Ontario County Clerk Matthew Hoose.

The Ontario County Finance Department, which is led by an official appointed by the Board of Supervisors, performs monthly bank account reconciliations. A finance department official has signatory authority on all bank accounts in the County Clerk's Office. Here is how the County Clerk’s Office now handles funds: