Ex-Columbia County Chamber president gets up to 5 years in prison for stealing from group

The former president of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce was sentenced to up to 5 years in state prison for stealing almost $47,000 from the organization.

Jeffrey Hunt, 54, of South Carolina, had previously pleaded guilty to felony third-degree larceny. New York State Police arrested Hunt on Sept. 16, 2021 following an investigation into thefts from the chamber’s credit and debit accounts from Nov. 11, 2016 to Nov. 10, 2020, according to a news release from the Columbia County District Attorney’s office.  

Hunter was sentenced to a minimum of 20 months in prison and up to 5 years. He also must repay all the stolen funds. To date, he has paid $12,000.