PLATTSBURGH -- Elaine LaPier has spent much of her adult life working her way up the ranks at local hotel establishments.

After graduating from Clinton Community College and Plattsburgh State, the 27-year-old became the general manager at the local Microtel Inn and Suites and then moved into the assistant-manager position at the nearby Days Inn and Suites.

And now, about a year after she was named general manager there, LaPier is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the Route 3 hotel.

State Police arrested the Keeseville woman Tuesday on a felony charge of second-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing $54,000 from Days Inn.

Police allege LaPier pocketed the cash over a 14-month period, while she was employed as the assistant manager.

After being arraigned at Plattsburgh Town Court, LaPier was taken to Clinton County Jail on $5,000 cash bail.

She was still being held at the facility Tuesday evening and is expected to return to court Friday to face the charges.

Plattsburgh-based State Police said they are continuing their investigation.

Officials at the Plattsburgh Days Inn did not return a message seeking comment Tuesday afternoon and it was initially unclear whether LaPier is still employed there.

No additional information about the alleged theft was immediately available.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at:

avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com