TRUMBULL COUNTY Clerk gets sentence in theft

The trooper investigating the case said the defendant was honest and cooperative.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A former employee of the Trumbull County Clerk of Courts Office who pleaded guilty to one count of theft has been sentenced to five years' probation.
Judge John Stuard sentenced Brenda Machuzak of Howland during a brief hearing Thursday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court. Judge Stuard ordered Machuzak to continue therapy, take random drug tests, serve 80 hours of community service and make full restitution.
County officials said Machuzak stole about $11,000.
Machuzak, who declined to comment, could have received up to five years in prison.
Defense lawyer
Atty. Phil Vigorito said his client did not deserve jail time.
"She has no prior criminal history," Vigorito said. "She had a drug problem. She sought treatment and got control of her problem. She is working now so that she can pay back the money."
Before sentencing, Trooper Dennis Goodhart of the Ohio State Highway Patrol told the judge that he was the investigator on the case and that Machuzak was "very honest and cooperative." Goodhart noted that without Machuzak's help, the case would have dragged on a lot longer.
"This is the first time I can remember a case where the investigating officer testified on behalf of the defendant," Judge Stuard said. "I am convinced that you are not a bad person, and I don't believe you'll be back here."
She resigned
Machuzak resigned Sept. 10 from her job in the title office. Prosecutors said she will no longer be able to work in a public office.
Machuzak was hired in July 2001. She earned $10.99 per hour as a file clerk.
Margaret O'Brien, clerk of courts, said state auditors took a few weeks to go over the department's books to determine how much was taken.
Questions arose Aug. 23, when a car dealership complained that it never got a vehicle title it had paid for by check. The check had been cashed.
O'Brien said she contacted the county prosecutor, who called the highway patrol.
O'Brien noted that Machuzak was placed on administrative leave shortly after the investigation began.
Between $700,000 and $800,000 passes through the title department each year, officials say.
sinkovich@vindy.com