WILLIAMSPORT — A former township secretary/treasurer in Columbia County attributes her gambling addiction as the reason she will report to a federal prison in January.

Linda L. Tarlecki, 63, of Aristes, was sentenced Wednesday to a year-and-a-day in prison on charges of federal tax evasion and bank fraud to which she had pleaded guilty. She is to self-report by Jan. 5.

During the two years’ of supervised release that follows, Tarlecki must participate in a gambling addiction program, may not visit a casino or participate in any form of gambling.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann said it is his belief “public service is a public trust.” She abused her position of authority to benefit herself, he said.

Tarlecki played a role in the disbandment of the board of auditors that re

See Full Page