ADAMS STREET (AP) — A Brooklyn bookkeeper is accused of embezzling more than $2.6 million that was supposed to go to New York City from the estates of dead people.

 

Richard Paul pleaded not guilty last week to grand larceny and other charges. He has been suspended with pay from his job at the Brooklyn Public Administrator's office, which oversees the estates of people who died without leaving wills. If no beneficiaries come forward, the money eventually goes to the city.

 

The Manhattan district attorney and the city Department of Investigation say Paul diverted money meant to go to the city.

 

Defense lawyer Louis Rosenthal says other workers in Paul's office were authorized to draw checks and knew his computer access codes.

 

Three other people pleaded not guilty Friday to receiving the allegedly stolen money.