Norwich ― A Niantic woman faces a first-degree larceny charge stemming from her role as executor of her father’s estate and her alleged failure to pay approximately $42,000 of inheritance money to the man’s two grandchildren.

Fern M. Cipriani, 62, of 97 West Main St., Niantic, was charged Nov. 23 by Norwich police. She was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court on Jan. 19, 2023.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Cipriani’s sister filed a complaint with Norwich police in March of this year after what she said were 10 years of failed attempts to receive the inheritance money owed to her two children, $21,445 each. Police obtained records from the Norwich probate court and the Dime Bank account, which contained the money from the estate.

Police said between March 19, 2013 and Feb. 2, 2021, $38,300 was withdrawn from the account by Cipriani through checks written and endorsed by her. On Feb. 2, 2021, the account had $4,491 remaining. Police said Cipriani declined to discuss the complaint with the investigating officer.