Colona employee charged with theft

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By Dustin Lemmon | Wednesday, October 25, 2006 1:08 AM CDT | () comments

A community service officer for the Colona Police Department has been criminally charged with stealing more than $4,000 in city funds.

Colona Police Chief Tim Krebs said Maria Martin, a full-time employee, resigned this morning before a felony theft charge was filed in Henry County Circuit Court.

Martin had worked for the community since 1982, first for the city of Green Rock and then for Colona starting in 1998 after the two cities merged.

Krebs said the theft was discovered after a review of city finances showed some funds missing dating back to May 1. He said Martin was responsible for enforcing city ordinances and transferring ticket money from the police department to city hall.

Krebs and Mayor Dan McDaniel said the city is conducting audits dating back three years to ensure that more funds were not stolen.

Krebs said Martin was remorseful but did not explain why she allegedly stole the money.

Dustin Lemmon can be contacted at (563) 383-2493 or dlemmon@qctimes.com.