Attorney General's News Release

April 26, 2004

Nixon charges assistant in Pulaski County public administrator's office with stealing more than $16,000

Waynesville, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today filed 17 counts of felony stealing against a clerk employed with the Pulaski County public administrator's office. The charges allege Cathi M. Leuthen (DOB - 5/15/78), of Crocker, stole more than $16,000 from private checking accounts managed by the public administrator's office. The stealing allegedly took place from January 2003 to October 2003. The Attorney General was appointed as special prosecutor in the case.

A probable cause statement filed with the charges says an audit by the public administrator discovered that checks were illegally written on several accounts. The statement alleges the checks often were used to pay Leuthen's personal bills or paid to her boyfriend or deposited in his checking account. The charges cover checks totaling $16,348.13.

Felony stealing is punishable upon conviction by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine on each count. As in all criminal cases, the charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818