Library employee accused of double-dipping.

Look, we all need to do something to make ends meet. In these tough economic times, I think we all consider taking on extra work to make a little extra money.

I can't tell you how many times I've been given that brown paper bag containing that wig, blue dress and red shoes and told to put it on and repeat, "There's no place like home."

I think it's my eyes. They seem to say, "I surrender."

But really, who doesn't need extra money? And who doesn't try to make a little on the side? How many librarians out there also tutor non-English speakers while you work the reference desk? You go get a book and check on your student who answers your question about the "father of our country," and you say, "No, Washington, not Washingstone. You'll never get that Taco Bell job if you can't pass your citizenship test. And I told you to pay in fives and tens; no more fifties. Are you trying to get me in trouble?"

A clerk in Monticello Village, NY was arraigned on charges of fraud and grand larceny, and "38 counts of first-degree offering a false instrument." I'm not even going to touch that last item.

In addition to being employed full-time as a village clerk, Edith Schop also worked part-time at a law library from 8 to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday.

She's charged with falsifying her time card by clocking in but not being at that job during those hours.

The story says she's been the village clerk since 1988. Among her duties (from what I can tell from their website), she is responsible for filing these applications:

• Application for Sign permit Form: a request to post sign
• Application for Peddler’s Permit: to allow door-to-door sales
• Freedom of Information Request and Appeal of Denial of a Freedom of Information Request: Yeah, wtf?

So when she applied for the part-time law library position, she was already employed as a full-time clerk. Full-time; government; 8-5, M-F. So who the hell looked at that schedule and said it would be okay for her to also work the law library schedule?

Law Library Human Resources: It says that you already have a fulltime position with the village.

Edith Schop: Yep.

Law Library Human Resources: And you realize this position overlaps with the hours of your current position?

Edith Schop: You betcha.

Law Library Human Resources: So you will be getting paid for doing two jobs at the same time, double-dipping, as we say.

Edith Schop: Is there a problem with that?

Law Library Human Resources: No, not at all. Not today.

Wikipedia says, "There are 25 registered sex offenders living in Monticello, New York in early 2007." Who the hell edits that thing????

UPDATE: October 26, 2009 - 3:49 PM.
MONTICELLO — Edith Schop has resigned as the Village of Monticello clerk. Schop, 68, submitted her resignation to Village Manager Ray Nargizian on Monday afternoon.