Broad Street Market
The former director of the Broad Street Market pled guilty to theft-related charges on Thursday.
Tanis Monroy pled guilty to stealing money from the market when he was the executive director, and was sentenced to one year of probation by Judge Deborah Curcillo in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas.
Monroy has already paid $17,000 in restitution to the market and, on Thursday, he paid another $4,939 that the court added to the original restitution amount, which will go to the market.
He was also issued 10 hours of community service.
Tanis Monroy. File photo.
Before the judge on Thursday morning, Monroy said that he was “deeply sorry” for his actions and that his “inexcusable actions” were the result of acting out of “fear and stress.”
Monroy served as the market’s executive director from October 2022 until he resigned his post in February 2024, citing health complications, including heart and kidney issues.
In August 2024, Monroy was charged with theft after the market board found a significant number of concerning transactions, totaling over $20,000, according to board Chair Eric Hagarty.
Monroy was initially facing one count of “other reason access device is unauthorized by issuer,” meaning unpermitted use of the market’s resources, as well as one charge of “theft by unlawful taking.” The first count was dropped as part of his plea agreement.
Monroy told the judge that he has undergone counseling and has begun to repair friendships and relationships.
He also asked “the Harrisburg community that once placed their faith in me” for forgiveness.
Monroy’s attorney noted that he has no prior criminal record, has paid all of the due restitution, and has expressed his regret.
Monroy’s actions came at a time when the market was already struggling financially, following a significant fire in July 2023. For months following the fire, the market was functioning on an operational deficit, as revenue had significantly decreased.
In January 2024, Monroy had proposed raising market vendors’ rents by almost double to make up for the loss. After the proposal faced backlash from the community and vendors, the market board decided to lower the increase to 25%, with consent from vendors.
Since then, the market’s financial picture has improved considerably, with the market board now projecting a budget surplus for the year. In addition, the board recently hired a new market manager, Cheranda “Cherri” Parks-Taylor, the market’s day-to-day operational position left open since Monroy’s departure. She is slated to start next week.
“With today’s guilty plea, this dark chapter in the market’s history is now over,” Hagarty said. “We are grateful for the Dauphin County District Attorney Office’s efforts, which have secured justice for the vendors, patrons, and supporters who make the Broad Street Market such a special place.”
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