AUSTINTOWN Former Frank Ohl treasurer pleads guilty to theft at school

By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing money from Frank Ohl Middle School in Austintown, where she once worked as treasurer.
Rosemary A. Hudak, 51, of Collingwood Place, was allowed to remain free on bond pending her sentencing by Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
Hudak pleaded to a fifth-degree felony count of theft, which was reduced in a plea agreement from a fourth-degree felony count of theft in office.
Under Ohio law, she could be sentenced to up to one year in prison, but Assistant County Prosecutor Robert Andrews said he will recommend that Judge Sweeney place Hudak on probation and order her to pay back the money. Hudak does not have a prior criminal record.
Austintown Township police have estimated Hudak took about $10,000, but Andrews said a final amount has yet to be determined. He expects that to be done in time for her sentencing.
At the request of defense attorney Samuel Amendolara, Judge Sweeney ordered that a background check be done on Hudak prior to her being sentenced.
Police have said Hudak confessed taking about $50 daily between December 2003 and February 2004. She also is accused of taking some money collected at school athletic events.
bjackson@vindy.com