An Auburn City Hall employee is facing criminal charges that she falsified business records for an event she never attended.

Deputy City Clerk Michele Godfrey, also known as Michele McNabb, 41, of 30 Augustus St., Auburn, was charged July 24 with second-degree falsifying business records after she was accused of submitting a false time sheet and mileage form for reimbursement totaling $51.38 which she was not entitled to, authorities said.

Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said the misdemeanor charge arose from an incident when Godfrey was allegedly spotted in her backyard at 1:50 p.m. on June 25, by her boss, City Clerk Debra McCormick, who was on her way to City Hall. Godfrey was supposed to have been at a training seminar taking place at Onondaga Community College at that time.

Even though it is believed Godfrey never went to OCC, she is accused of submitting the paperwork for the trip, claiming restitution for 76 miles traveled, a lunch and seven hours of work, Budelmann said.

In addition to the criminal charges, Corporation Counsel John Rossi said the city was conducting its own investigation into Godfrey's alleged misconduct, but said he could not elaborate until after the matter was resolved.

Godfrey's attorney, Richard Gunger, could not be reached for a comment.

Godfrey was arraigned in front of Auburn City Judge McKeon in Auburn City Court Monday, and was released on her own recognizance. Godfrey's next scheduled court appearance is Sept. 9.