NORWICH – Former City of Norwich police officer Randouth L. Palmer, of County Road 19 in Preston, was sentenced to 1 and 1/3 to 4 years Thursday in Chenango County Court.

Palmer was charged with forgery in the second degree, and pleaded guilty to the charge on May 8. During his time as president of the Norwich Police Benevolent Association, Palmer allegedly stole over $53,000 from the group’s bank account.

Judge Michael E. Daly listened as the current President of the PBA, Scott Meade, read a statement to the court on behalf of all the members. Meade told Palmer he had broken the promises he made when he took his oath and broken the trust of his fellow officers.

“You didn’t just steal money from the PBA, you stole a piece of our reputation. The misconduct of one bad police officer, like yourself, stains us all,” Meade said.

He continued, telling Palmer although all of the members of the PBA had been betrayed by his actions, they have complete faith in the justice system.

“You are a disgrace to police officers everywhere. We want you to know that you are not forgiven, but your actions will not linger,” Meade said. “We will earn back the trust of the good people we serve.”