Trial over tax funds delayed for fifth time in Mercer Co.

MERCER, Pa. -- The oft-delayed trial of a former Hermitage receiver of taxes has been delayed for the fifth time.
Rosemary Moses, 64, of Hasenflu Drive, Hermitage, is charged with failure to make required disposition of funds received, theft by unlawful taking, tampering with records of identification and tampering with public records or information.
Authorities said she diverted nearly $70,000 in tax receipts to her own use between 1987 and late 1999. They said they can't be sure of the exact amount because Moses destroyed some tax records.
She retired as receiver of occupational privilege and wage taxes for the city and Hermitage School District in February 2000.
The case was scheduled for trial and postponed four times because of legal arguments. It was scheduled again for jury selection Monday, but this time it was the remodeling project at the courthouse that was to blame for a fifth postponement.
Renovations have torn up the courtroom of Common Pleas Judge Michael Wherry who will hear the case, so the trial was moved to another courtroom. However, some air conditioning problems have made that room temporarily unavailable.
The case has now been pushed back to September or October, officials said.