Attorney General's News Release

May 15, 2006

Nixon charges former Norwood city collector with two counts of felony stealing

Hartville, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon has filed two counts of felony stealing against the former city collector of the city of Norwood. The charges, filed in Wright County Circuit Court on May 9, allege Amy D. Adler (DOB- 5/14/68), of Norwood, stole funds from both the city of Norwood and the Norwood Volunteer Firefighters Fund. The stealing allegedly took place from June 2001 to July 2003. The Attorney General's Office was appointed as special prosecutor in the case after the Wright County Prosecuting Attorney cited a conflict of interest.

A probable cause statement filed with the charges says the Mayor of Norwood discovered a discrepancy between the amount of money received by the city for such payments as water bills, business licenses, dog tags and other fees and the amount deposited in the city's account in a local bank. The statement also alleges that Ms. Adler signed for fees and donations to the Norwood Volunteer Fire Department that were never deposited into the Fire Department's bank account.

Ms. Adler was arrested and posted $7,500 on Friday, May 12. 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 the Press Secretary.

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