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Two Bruno Township leaders are under investigation after Butler County officials learned nearly $18,000 in taxpayer money had been embezzled by the townships’ treasurer, Lisa Quade, between March and December 2007.
Specifically, Quade used her Bruno Township debit card to make ATM withdrawals and personal purchases. As recently as February and March 2008, she also wrote checks to herself in the amount of $1,300 and received cash back from township deposits made to National Bank of Andover.
Bruno, located in west Butler County near Andover, is the largest of the 29 townships in Butler and is now facing the loss of Quade and Township Trustee William Osborne.
County Attorney Jan Satterfield has filed petitions to ouster the two officials, though both have since tendered resignation. In the petition, Osborne is alleged to have “assisted” Quade's efforts to hide the stolen $17.625.48.
According to County Administrator Will Johnson, the Butler County Commission has “no oversight” of the townships, though the petition states that Osborne had the responsibility “to make a complete report of the affairs of the township to the county commissioners” about Bruno's finances.
Townships operate under three officers – a trustee, treasurer and clerk. Roy Hoyle is Bruno Township’s clerk and now the only remaining leadership. Most townships are responsible for two tasks – maintaining roads and up-keep of a township cemetery.
Jim Hargrove, attorney for Bruno Township, said the information regarding Quade's theft was brought to him by Osborne.
“This information all came to the attention of the county through Mr. Osborne and me,” Hargrove said. “Mr. Osborne came to me and reported basically what’s in these petitions.”
Hargrove said he contacted Satterfield and Butler County Sheriff Craig Murphy, which prompted an investigation by Det. Sgt. Kelly Herzet from the sheriff’s office.
Though Osborne has tendered his resignation to County Clerk Ron Roberts, Satterfield said she intends to move ahead with the hearing set for Friday where she will submit the resignation letters to a judge who could give permission to dismiss the actions of the petitions.
“Their resignation really does make [the petitions] moot, but I want the court to take judicial notice of it,” Satterfield said.
Osborne has secured the township financial documents which are being turned over to county officials.
“I really think it needs to be emphasized that Mr. Osborne was the one that contacted my office, came up and talked to me,” Hargrove said. “He has worked closely with Detective Herzet.”
Two Bruno Township leaders are under investigation after Butler County officials learned nearly $18,000 in taxpayer money had been embezzled by the townships’ treasurer, Lisa Quade, between March and December 2007.
Specifically, Quade used her Bruno Township debit card to make ATM withdrawals and personal purchases. As recently as February and March 2008, she also wrote checks to herself in the amount of $1,300 and received cash back from township deposits made to National Bank of Andover.
Bruno, located in west Butler County near Andover, is the largest of the 29 townships in Butler and is now facing the loss of Quade and Township Trustee William Osborne.
County Attorney Jan Satterfield has filed petitions to ouster the two officials, though both have since tendered resignation. In the petition, Osborne is alleged to have “assisted” Quade's efforts to hide the stolen $17.625.48.
According to County Administrator Will Johnson, the Butler County Commission has “no oversight” of the townships, though the petition states that Osborne had the responsibility “to make a complete report of the affairs of the township to the county commissioners” about Bruno's finances.
Townships operate under three officers – a trustee, treasurer and clerk. Roy Hoyle is Bruno Township’s clerk and now the only remaining leadership. Most townships are responsible for two tasks – maintaining roads and up-keep of a township cemetery.
Jim Hargrove, attorney for Bruno Township, said the information regarding Quade's theft was brought to him by Osborne.
“This information all came to the attention of the county through Mr. Osborne and me,” Hargrove said. “Mr. Osborne came to me and reported basically what’s in these petitions.”
Hargrove said he contacted Satterfield and Butler County Sheriff Craig Murphy, which prompted an investigation by Det. Sgt. Kelly Herzet from the sheriff’s office.
Though Osborne has tendered his resignation to County Clerk Ron Roberts, Satterfield said she intends to move ahead with the hearing set for Friday where she will submit the resignation letters to a judge who could give permission to dismiss the actions of the petitions.
“Their resignation really does make [the petitions] moot, but I want the court to take judicial notice of it,” Satterfield said.
Osborne has secured the township financial documents which are being turned over to county officials.
“I really think it needs to be emphasized that Mr. Osborne was the one that contacted my office, came up and talked to me,” Hargrove said. “He has worked closely with Detective Herzet.”
As the county commissioner for the Bruno Township, Jeff Masterson will likely be asked to find a temporary replacement for Osborne and Quade to handle the duties of office until the November election.
As for Quade and Osborne, any criminal charges are pending further investigation.
“It’s a terribly unfortunate situation,” Hargrove said. “I’m sure that Ms. Satterfield will, at the end of the day, get it sorted out.”
Perhaps there’s a lesson to be learned from this, though, Hargrove said.
“I would think that if there’s anything positive to come out of this, there really is a need for more oversight,” Hargrove said.
