WILLIMANTIC – The former town treasurer and tax collector admitted publicly this week she had embezzled money from the town over an extended period of time.

Jacquelyn Gorey, who voluntarily resigned from her positions effective Oct. 9, 2006, advised her family, friends, town officials and residents in a letter dated Jan. 7 that she had violated the trust placed in her.

Contacted Friday, Gorey confirmed she had written the letter that admitted her guilt.

“I am prepared to repay every penny I took from the town, but I know this will not be enough to repair the broken trust,” Gorey wrote in the letter selectmen read at the meeting Thursday. “I am prepared to accept the consequences of my actions and hope that we can all move forward with our lives for the good of each other and the town.”

A preliminary audit of the books ending fiscal year June 2006 revealed that about $42,000 in funds couldn’t be located, according to Selectman Susan Bennett.

When the bank reconciliation was done, a large number of outstanding deposits was noticed, according to Donald Higgins, a partner at Loiselle, Goodwin & Hinds of Bangor, the firm selectmen contracted with last year to conduct the audit. Receipts were being recorded as if they were outstanding deposits, he said in October of last year. The process is known as “kiting,” Higgins said.

The Maine State Police launched an investigation in October that still continues.

Dave Preble, the lead investigator, could not be reached for comment Friday. Preble has been working with the town’s auditor to determine how much money was taken over the years. Charges are expected to be brought against Gorey next month.

As a short-term fix, selectmen have contracted with the town of Guilford to handle the town’s real estate and excise taxes. The selectmen expect to appoint a successor or successors to the positions once the matter is settled.

In her letter Gorey, who had worked part-time in the Parkman town office as well, said there is nothing she could say or do that would heal the pain and anger people are experiencing because of her actions.

Gorey’s son-in-law, Jeff Morin, who was a selectmen in recent years, tendered his resignation late last year amid criticism by a group of residents for his handling of town finances and business. The group also had called for the resignation of Selectman Bruce Thomas, who remains on the board.

“As the tax collector and treasurer for the town of Willimantic, I was entrusted to manage the town’s funds responsibly. I violated that trust by taking tax money from the town over an extended period of time,” Gorey wrote. “I am truly sorry to the residents and taxpayers who trusted and supported me. You did not deserve this. I am truly sorry to the present and past town officials who were unaware of what I was doing yet were negatively impacted by my decisions. To my family and friends, thank you for supporting me through this difficult time.”