(AP) — Fifteen local government employees from around Indiana are facing public corruption charges for alleged government losses totaling more than $1 million.
Federal prosecutors announced charges Thursday against five people, including the treasurers of three fire departments, who allegedly bilked local governments out of more than $380,000.
State charges are pending against 10 others who work in public service or government positions, including two employees with the Indianapolis Local Public Bond Bank who allegedly stole about $400,000.
U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler says his office worked with the FBI, State Board of Accounts, State Police and local prosecutors in the investigations. He says in a statement that “all citizens deserve better from their public officials.”
The State Board of Accounts performed audits that provided prosecutors with evidence in the cases.
The cases closes to home here include charges against:
*Donald G. Minnick, 64, Gosport, is accused of improperly selling a vehicle to the Owen County when he served as an Owen County Commissioner. The county lost $7,500. In August, Minnick was found guilty of conflict of interest and official misconduct. In September, a judge sentenced Minnick to 18-months probation and 50 hours of community service.
And…
*Sami Dillon, 38, Crawfordsville, is accused of stealing $44,000 while serving clerk-treasurer of Cayuga in Vermillion County.
Here is a list of the other cases…
Kellie Cline, 35, is accused of stealing from programs receiving federal funds while serving as Greenwood Middle School’s extra-curricular activity treasurer
Clint Madden, 51, Columbus, is accused of stealing more than $100,000 while serving as the Wayne Township Trustee and the Jonesville Volunteer Rural Fire Department treasurer in Bartholomew County.
Mathew Mathis, 47, Columbus, is accused of stealing more than $48,000 while he served as the treasurer of the Hope Volunteer Fire Department in Bartholomew County.
Angela White, 44, Indianapolis, is accused of stealing about $10,000 while serving as a treasurer for Robey Elementary School in Wayne Township in Marion County.
Rachel Bentz, 44, Portland, is accused of stealing about $9,000 while she served as the Jay County Sheriff’s Department jail matron.
Dallas Davis, 56, Russellville, is accused of stealing about $7,600 while serving as the Russellville clerk-treasurer in Putnam County.
David Buzzard, 50, Columbus, is accused of overpaying himself and his spouse by about $27,000 while he served as Rock Creek Township Trustee in Bartholomew County.
Nicole DeMunck, 35, Michigan City, is accused of stealing about $13,000 while she served as the AK Smith Center treasurer in the Michigan City School System in LaPorte County.
Nichole Lowry, 47, Kewanna, is accused of stealing more than $12,000 while she served as the director of Pulaski County Emergency Medical Services.
