Former Fisk clerk charged with stealing city funds

A warrant was issued Wednesday for the arrest of a former clerk who is accused of embezzling more than $5,200 from the City of Fisk.

Roberts

Tosha Renea Roberts, 38, of Fisk was charged with the Class D felony of stealing by Butler County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Paul Oesterreicher.

Bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety for Roberts, who had not been arrested by press time.

The charge against Roberts stems from an investigation into possible embezzlement by the Butler County Sheriff’s Department that began in February.

Fisk Mayor John Murray, according to Investigator Brandon Lowe’s probable-cause statement, reported finding a $15 charge had been made at The Pony in April 2018.

After finding the charge, Lowe said, Murray reported he questioned Roberts.

“Murray stated at first Roberts denied knowing anything about it,” but later admitted “she did charge the $15 at The Pony,” Lowe said.

Based on Roberts’ admission, Lowe said, Murray told her he was going to have the city’s billing system audited.

“Murray stated whenever he told Roberts this, she began shaking and telling him that she could find whatever he needed, and there was no need for an audit,” Lowe said.

At a subsequent City Council meeting, “it was determined that Roberts should be fire,” Lowe said.

An audit for June 2017 to March 2018 was completed by Kraft, Tatum & Miles, Lowe said.

“During the audit, it was discovered that there was $5,229.43 that had been taken from the account,” Lowe said.

Murray, Lowe said, reported it appeared when Fisk residents came in to pay their water bills, “Roberts would post it on their computer, but would keep the money for herself.”

Lowe said the city uses a program to post payments.

An audit, Lowe said, was completed, comparing the program and the city’s bank account.

Lowe said Murray further reported “Roberts was responsible for most of the payments received.”

Lowe said Kimberly Diamond provided a written statement that indicated Roberts had been hired as city clerk, and her job was to accept payments and take the cash and checks to the bank for deposit.

“Diamond also stated that Roberts was to apply the amount paid into the city computer system,” Lowe said.