YET ANOTHER CONTINUANCE IN THE CASE OF TERRI GAINES

by T.J. Clemente

The saga that is the tragedy of Montauk-raised Terri Gaines continues without final resolution after yet another continuance was granted on January 9. Robert Clifford, the prosecuting attorney for Suffolk County, said, "In the court's opinion, restitution has not been satisfactorily met."

Gaines had pleaded guilty to embezzling over $539,000 from the Montauk Fire Department over a period of 14 years. As per her agreement before Suffolk County Judge Ralph T. Gazzillos, she would make restitution and receive a jail sentence of 1-3 years. If she didn't make restitution, the sentence will be increased to 3-9 years.

A source within the Montauk Fire Department said Gaines had sold her house and paid back the money. However, in Friday's phone conversation, prosecutor Clifford repeated that, as of Jan. 9, "restitution has not been completed to the court's satisfaction." Clifford would not explain why the court remained dissatisfied.

Gaines, a mother of four who was in the Southwest last weekend visiting relatives, had reportedly had difficulty selling her home. A local businesswoman in Montauk who grew up with her, said, "The whole thing is so tragic. I have known [Gaines] her whole life, I just can't understand what happened."

A Montauk Fire House source was also sympathetic, saying, "Let's let her serve her time, and get on with her life." He was annoyed about the postponement of the sentencing.

Gaines reportedly used Montauk Fire Department funds to pay credit card bills for casino visits and for her son's private school tuition. The whole affair has left the small hamlet of Montauk split between anger and sympathy. The new date for sentencing is February 6.

Back to Contents