Warren auditor loses job after admitting sending powder to ex-boss after firing

YOUNGSTOWN

Warren Auditor Anthony J. Natale pleaded guilty in federal court to conveying false information related to use of a weapon of mass destruction – a move that will cost him his job as city auditor.

Natale, 37, of Genessee Avenue Northeast, changed his plea to the felony charge from innocent to guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Court Judge Benita Y. Pearson, who will sentence him at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 27.

“I’ve decided to change because, out of hurt and anger, I did put the powder in the envelope, causing the scare,” Natale told the judge concerning his mailing of the white powder to his former employer.

The guilty plea causes Natale to automatically lose his job as auditor under state law, according to Greg Hicks, Warren law director.

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin will appoint a temporary successor; and Warren’s Democratic precinct committee members will meet in five to 45 days to select a replacement.

Because the vacancy is occurring more than 40 days before the Nov. 8 election, candidates will be able to run in that election for the three remaining years in Natale’s term.

The federal indictment accused Natale of sending an envelope containing white powder to his former employer, American Business Center, 7677 South Ave., Boardman, Nov. 10, 2014, after being fired from his job there.

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