Ex-clerk in Niles Treasurer’s Office indicted on theft in office

Staff report

WARREN

Phyllis J. Wilson, 61, of Lincoln Avenue, a former clerk in the Niles Treasurer’s office, has been indicted on one count of theft in office for purportedly taking $71,000 from her job.

She will be arraigned on the charge in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, but no hearing date has been set. If convicted, she could get several years in prison or probation. Wilson worked for the city for more than 20 years.

Her indictment says the thefts occurred from Jan. 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013. Officials say she retired June 30, 2013.

The missing money was discovered by the Ohio Auditor’s office during a routine annual audit, said Capt. Ken Criswell of the Niles Police Department.

During the audit, investigators looked at a “random sample” that “by chance” picked up on funds that were turned in to the office but not deposited, Criswell said.

Further review dating back to Jan. 1, 2012, picked up on $71,000 in missing money, Criswell said, adding that the auditor’s office most likely is going to look further back to determine whether any money is missing from before 2012.

“We want to see when it began,” said Criswell. The Niles Police Department began its investigation last week after being notified by the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s office.

Police interviewed Wilson and conducted other interviews before Wilson was indicted by a Trumbull County grand jury Thursday through a direct presentment.