Ex-Webster Library Worker Sued Over Missing Money
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By John DeGroff-
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller has filed a civil lawsuit against Kristi Rhodes in an effort to recover more than $28,000. The suit was filed in Kosciusko County Superior Court III.
During an audit of the North Webster Community Library's books, examiners from the State Board of Accounts found that 24 unauthorized checks were issued to Rhodes for a total of $16,990.29 between December 2008 and September 2010. The checks weren't recorded in the library's ledger or approved or signed by the library's treasurer or any board member.
Examiners also found that Rhodes' actions caused late penalties and interest due to be levied against the library by failing to remit payroll taxes or pay bills on time. According to the audit, Rhodes is responsible for $1,585.10 in penalties and interest to the Indiana Department of Revenue, $8,791.69 to the IRS and $1,032.05 to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The total amount of loss that is sought from Rhodes is $28,399.13. She has made no repayment at this time, the suit claims.
Zoeller filed the civil suit against Rhodes to recover the missing funds and reimburse the library. The suit seeks triple damages of $85,197.39 plus attorney fees and prejudgment interest.
Thursday, Zoeller also sought a temporary restraining order, asking that Rhodes' assets be frozen. The court granted the order to freeze the assets, including real estate, a 2004 Chevrolet Venture, a 1997 Chevrolet Astro, a bank account at Lake City Bank and any retirement accounts.
The restraining order will remain in effect until a hearing set Friday. Funds could be released later to reimburse the library if the court enters a civil judgment against Rhodes.
Rhodes has not been criminally charged, but criminal charges could follow after the case is reviewed by the county prosecutor.[[In-content Ad]]
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller has filed a civil lawsuit against Kristi Rhodes in an effort to recover more than $28,000. The suit was filed in Kosciusko County Superior Court III.
During an audit of the North Webster Community Library's books, examiners from the State Board of Accounts found that 24 unauthorized checks were issued to Rhodes for a total of $16,990.29 between December 2008 and September 2010. The checks weren't recorded in the library's ledger or approved or signed by the library's treasurer or any board member.
Examiners also found that Rhodes' actions caused late penalties and interest due to be levied against the library by failing to remit payroll taxes or pay bills on time. According to the audit, Rhodes is responsible for $1,585.10 in penalties and interest to the Indiana Department of Revenue, $8,791.69 to the IRS and $1,032.05 to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The total amount of loss that is sought from Rhodes is $28,399.13. She has made no repayment at this time, the suit claims.
Zoeller filed the civil suit against Rhodes to recover the missing funds and reimburse the library. The suit seeks triple damages of $85,197.39 plus attorney fees and prejudgment interest.
Thursday, Zoeller also sought a temporary restraining order, asking that Rhodes' assets be frozen. The court granted the order to freeze the assets, including real estate, a 2004 Chevrolet Venture, a 1997 Chevrolet Astro, a bank account at Lake City Bank and any retirement accounts.
The restraining order will remain in effect until a hearing set Friday. Funds could be released later to reimburse the library if the court enters a civil judgment against Rhodes.
Rhodes has not been criminally charged, but criminal charges could follow after the case is reviewed by the county prosecutor.[[In-content Ad]]
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