The case against former Marietta City Schools assistant treasurer Barbara Mincks could be headed to grand jury within the next couple of months, said Washington County Assistant Prosecutor Alison L. Cauthorn.
As to what specific charges could be brought against Mincks, "It is too soon to tell," Cauthorn said.
Minks waived a preliminary hearing in Marietta Municipal Court Wednesday. Currently she is charged with theft in office, a third-degree felony.
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Former assistant treasurer for Marietta City Schools Barbara Mincks, left, with her attorney Rolf Baumgartel, waived a preliminary hearing in Marietta Municipal Court Wednesday. Accused of stealing more than $100,000 from the school district, Mincks’ case could be headed to the grand jury before the year’s end.
JASMINE
ROGERS
The Marietta Times
Conducting an annual audit in early October, the Ohio Auditor's Office found checks that had been re-issued in Mincks' name. By Oct. 11 the auditors had examined funds dating back to September 2010 and found a total of $64,010.04 that it's believed Mincks had stolen.
Detective Troy Hawkins of the Marietta Police Department was called in to assist with the investigation.
"It is in excess of $100,000 at this point," said Hawkins, though he declined to comment on how far back he and the auditors have investigated.
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About the case
Former Marietta City Schools assistant treasurer Barbara Mincks is accused of taking school issued checks and re-issuing them in her name.
Investigators have now estimated the theft in excess of $100,000.
Though yet to be indicted, Mincks is currently charged with theft in office, a third-degree felony.
Mincks waived a preliminary hearing Wednesday and her case will be sent to grand jury after investigators are satisfied they have found where the thefts began, which could be within two months.
Mincks has been employed with the school district since 1984, he said.
According to the initial statement of facts released by the Marietta Police Department, Mincks admitted to Hawkins that she had watched for checks issued by the school that went a long time without being cashed and later reissued them in her name and cashed them. Mincks told Hawkins she had been stealing in this way for five years.
However, Hawkins and auditors will scour financial records from Mincks and the school until they are satisfied they have found a stopping point.
"Typically with these kind of things it begins to taper off toward the beginning of the theft. The amounts are smaller. There will be more time in between thefts," said Hawkins.
The case will not go to grand jury until Hawkins and the auditors are confident they have found everything, said Cauthorn.
The exact time frame will depend on how far back investigators have to go, but they have made good time going through hundreds of pages of financial records so far, said Hawkins. From past experience, Hawkins estimated the investigation will wrap up within the next couple of months.
Mincks' attorney, Rolf Baumgartel, referred questions to the prosecuting attorneys Wednesday.
