WARREN Former city cashier sentenced

She will have to make $26,036 restitution, a judge has ordered.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The former head cashier for the city's water department, who pleaded guilty to theft, has been ordered to serve five years' probation and spend 60 days in an alternative sentencing program.
Judge Andrew Logan of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court sentenced Debra A. Dunewood of Valley Southwest during a brief hearing Tuesday. She was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $26,036.
She could have received up to 18 months in prison, court officials said.
Both Dunewood and her attorney, Gilbert Rucker III, declined to comment.
Dunewood was approved for a disability retirement from the city Feb. 13, 2000.
In June 2001, the state auditor's office issued a finding for recovery of $26,036 against her.
The audit further found that Dunewood sometimes delayed depositing receipts, an indication that cash was not being deposited. That shows a potential scheme to divert cash and delay deposits until sufficient subsequent receipts are accumulated to cover the amount diverted, the audit said.
Manager suspended
Richard Griffing, water office manager, was suspended without pay for a few days after being found guilty of administrative charges of gross neglect of duty, dishonesty and nonfeasance regarding the missing money.
He is responsible for overseeing collections and deposits of revenues.
The city determined that between April 3 and May 1, 2000, Griffing did not enforce a water department policy that money is to be deposited within 24 hours of collection.
Griffing and his brother, David, the city auditor, were both charged with one misdemeanor count of dereliction of duty. The charges came after a yearlong investigation of the water department by the FBI and city police.
Richard Griffing's charge was later dismissed and David Griffing was acquitted.
sinkovich@vindy.com