Former city employee charged with theft

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Felony theft charges were filed Tuesday against a former city of Dickinson employee who allegedly stole about $7,000.

Chandra Christensen of Killdeer formerly worked full-time in the utility billing department and allegedly stole about $2,544 in cash and about $4,241 in checks, totaling about $6,785.

After a Baler Building employee noticed deposit discrepancies, the missing funds were discovered.

Consisting of deposits to be made on behalf of the Baler Building, the money was allegedly taken over a period of time, indicating there was more than one indiscretion, said City Administrator Shawn Kessel during a press conference Jan. 26, the day Christensen was terminated.

Stark County State’s Attorney Tom Henning said the checks were written “to the utility,” but he could not elaborate.

Henning said while some of the checks have been returned through Christensen’s attorney, it is unclear “how complete any return is.”

Henning said to his knowledge, none of the checks were cashed and he is unaware if any cash has been returned.

It will be a court’s decision if Christensen is required to make restitution on the alleged stolen funds.

“The city’s prevailing interest regarding the unfortunate events surrounding theft of funds is in restitution of lost funds, strengthening internal systems to deter future crime and retaining the public’s confidence,” Kessel said in an e-mail. “One of the roles the state’s attorney has in our judicial system is to determine what charges are appropriate when indiscretions occur. Charges are appropriate and we will work towards a quick resolution of this matter.”

Maximum penalty for the charges could include five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

A call to Christensen went unreturned Thursday.

Tags: news, local, christensen, embezzelment, theft, felony, killdeer