Former Niles asst. treasurer gets 6 months for theft of nearly $143K

WARREN

Phyllis J. Wilson, who stole $142,772 over 41⁄2 years as Niles assistant treasurer, was led away in handcuffs Tuesday to serve six months in the Trumbull County Jail.

She will not serve a prison term, but she forfeits her $1,176 per month in public retirement benefits “until it is paid,” said Judge Andrew Logan of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court. Wilson, 62, of Russell Avenue, Niles, pleaded guilty earlier to theft in office.

Before learning her sentence, Wilson apologized and said she stole because of a gambling habit.

“To say I’m remorseful doesn’t begin to cover what I feel,” she said. “I vow to never allow gambling take over my life again.”

Her lawyer, David Rouzzo of the Ohio Public Defender’s Office, said Wilson has no other criminal record, attempted suicide and spent some time in a mental hospital. “She’s highly unlikely to offend again,” Rouzzo said, adding that her addiction is much like the drug addictions that bring many others to the courthouse.

He said her $1,176 pension “doesn’t cover her expenses.”

Chris Becker, assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, asked Judge Logan to give Wilson prison time because of the seriousness of the offense and because she violated a position of trust in the community.

Read more about the case in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.