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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 10, 2006 Former clerk charged with embezzling funds from city By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune A former municipal court clerk has been charged with embezzling funds from the city of Central Point. Katrina Ann Blanton, 46, faces a dozen felony counts, including racketeering, theft, official misconduct and falsifying business records. Blanton likely will plead guilty to the charges at an Oct. 30 hearing in Jackson County Circuit Court, said Rachel Bridges, deputy district attorney for the county. The District Attorney's Office alleges that Blanton stole money paid to the city in the form of traffic fines. Bridges would not discuss the amount stolen, but said the charges reflect a "pattern of theft" during several years of Blanton's employment. Blanton was placed on administrative leave in August 2004 when an internal city audit showed funds were missing from the municipal court's accounts. Blanton resigned several weeks later after four years with the city. She was the only full-time court worker and her duties included collecting fines. Central Point police turned the investigation over to Oregon Department of Justice officials, who handed it off to the D.A.'s Office last summer. Documenting the theft involved tracing old records — destroyed on the city's end — back to Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, Bridges said. Advertisement "It was extraordinarily difficult to figure out what happened," Bridges said. Blanton, who in February last year denied being the subject of an investigation, has so far been cooperative, Bridges said. Part of her negotiations with Blanton included foregoing the grand jury process, the prosecutor added. The maximum sentence for racketeering — the most serious charge against Blanton — is 20 years in prison. Central Point City Administrator Phil Messina told the Mail Tribune in February 2005 that "administrative steps" had been taken to prevent any future embezzlement, including the transfer of Municipal Court accounts to the finance director, and the purchase of computer software that would make it easier to track court transactions. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com