Petro issues finding for recovery
GIRARD -- State Auditor Jim Petro has issued a finding of $24,294 against the former municipal court clerk.
The finding for recovery against former clerk Renee L. Szabados-Bornemiss is contained in the audit of the city's 1998 books. The money has already been paid back, officials said.
Szabados-Bornemiss was fired Aug. 31, 1998, because of what Judge Michael Bernard said at the time was insubordination and neglect of duty.
Mary Jo Orr was named clerk in 1998 to replace Szabados-Bornemiss when she was fired.
Cash, checks found: When Orr was appointed to replace Szabados-Bornemiss, she found cash and checks in a closet, according to the state audit.
Judge Bernard had an audit performed by the city auditor and notified the sheriff's office.
In March 1999, Szabados-Bornemiss pleaded guilty to a theft charge. Two months later, she was sentenced to 30 days in jail, placed on three years' probation, ordered to perform 100 hours of community service, get counseling and make restitution.
Judge Bernard said restitution has been made. The court received $10,500, which was all of Szabados-Bornemiss' state retirement fund, and the balance from her bonding company.