Tuesday, December 19, 2006
She must also write a letter of apology.
WARREN -- A former treasurer of the defunct Gustavus Volunteer Firefighters Association was placed on five years' probation and ordered to pay restitution of 6,995.
In addition, she has to pay the 3,994 cost of an audit for stealing money from the association sometime between Jan. 1, 2002, and June 30, 2004.
Tangi Day-Kopp, 45, of 475 York St., North Bloomfield, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of theft in October in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court. She was sentenced Monday by Judge Peter Kontos.
Other conditions of her sentence are that she carry out 100 hours of community service and write a letter of apology. If she violates the conditions of her parole, she could be sentenced to up to 12 months in prison.
The fire association was a nonprofit group that contracted with the township trustees to provide fire protection.
The audit, requested by the county prosecutor's office, came up with three findings for recovery totaling 6,595 in late 2005.
3 findings
One charged that Day-Kopp did not deposit 5,794 into the association's bank account, primarily for firefighters' fund-raising events. It also said the association bought 20 jackets for firefighting volunteers for 1,526, but Day-Kopp paid 1,800 for them. She is responsible for the other 274.
The third finding, for 887, said Day-Kopp issued a check for 1,000 for used fire equipment. Of that amount, there were receipts for 113 for the purchases, and the balance could not be accounted for.
Township Trustee Robert S. Phillips said last year that after discrepancies came to light, the township refused to continue its contract with the association and the township took over firefighting responsibilities.
Gustavus Township Clerk Laura Hall first noticed the irregularities, which were then reported to the sheriff's department and prosecutor.