Attorney General Jon Bruning

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact: Holley Hatt

                        August 10, 2007, 3:30 pm CDT                                                 402.471.2067                         

Former Deputy Phelps County Treasurer Pleads

No Contest to Stealing County Funds

(Lincoln, NE) Attorney General Jon Bruning announced former Deputy Phelps County Treasurer Mary Hammond, 66, entered a plea of no contest to one felony charge of theft by unlawful taking in Phelps County District Court today.

“Ms. Hammond earned the trust of taxpayers and her coworkers over 38 years, and destroyed it in five months,” Bruning said. “This office will make sure those who violate the public trust are held accountable.”

According to internal county and Nebraska State Patrol investigations, Hammond stole more than $30,000 in county funds between January 1 and May 7, 2007, by keeping a portion of the county’s bank deposits which she was responsible for delivering to the bank. She then made false accounting ledger entries to cover her embezzlement.

Hammond was terminated from her position in the Phelps County Treasurer’s office on May 7.

When over $1,500 is stolen, theft by unlawful taking is a class III felony, punishable by one to 20 years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 16 at 11:30 a.m. in Phelps County District Court.

Criminal Bureau Chief John Freudenberg and Assistant Attorney General Jeff Gaertig are handling the case.

###

An audio clip about the plea is posted on the Attorney General’s web site at www.ago.ne.gov.