A town of Watertown woman was charged Thursday with falsifying records at her place of employment to cover up more than $27,000 in thefts.

Ingrid M. Exford, 47, of 21474 Hadcock Road, was charged by Jefferson County sheriff’s detectives with first-degree falsifying business records, first-degree scheme to defraud, third-degree grand larceny, second-degree forgery and third-degree identity theft. The charges came after an almost yearlong investigation.

Detectives said Mrs. Exford was the office manager at Nephrology Associates of Watertown PC, 19320 Route 11, until Feb. 15. It is alleged that during the previous five years, she falsified business records to cover her crime of stealing patients’ insurance co-payments, as well as the unauthorized use of the business’s credit cards for her personal needs, with losses to the practice in excess of $27,000. It also is alleged that she forged a doctor’s signature on a business credit card while using it for her personal needs.

She was released on her own recognizance and is due to answer the charges in Watertown Town Court.

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