NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The former veterans services assistant has been charged with felony larceny in Northern Berkshire District Court. 

 

Tina Samson, who was placed on paid administrative leave last December, is facing a charge of larceny of more than $1,200 by false pretense.  

 

The police have been investigating whether gift cards and cash had been taken from the Veterans Services Office.

 

Samson has been with the North Adams veterans office for 15 years, assisting in servicing the more more than 100 veterans in North Berkshire. During that time, she started a food pantry for veterans and solicited food, clothing and personal items for Christmas bags, including gift cards to local supermarkets and stores. 

 

The documents related to the criminal complaint were not immediately available on Friday. Samson has been summoned to District Court for arraignment on July 22. 

 

The charge is a felony because the amount is more than $1,200. A conviction can result in up to five years in state prison, or a fine up to $25,000 and up to two years in a House of Correction.