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September 5, 2006

Richmond tax collector arrested for embezzling $262,000

RICHMOND -- The state police have arrested the former Richmond-Carolina Fire District tax collector on one count of unlawful appropriation from the fire district totaling approximately $262,000.

The state police financial crimes unit arrested Jerilyn J. Majeika, 45, of 2081 South County Trail in South Kingstown, on Friday, the state police announced today. The financial crimes unit began investigating in July 2006 after receiving a complaint from the fire district, which serves the eastern two-thirds of the town of Richmond.

According to the state police, the investigation revealed that Majeika misappropriated and converted fire district funds for her own use and concealed the theft from fire district officials. She was employed as the district’s tax collector from 1999 to 2006. The embezzlement took place between 2004 and 2006, the police said.

The money was primarily spent at gaming facilities and for other personal expenses, the police said.

Brad Philbrick, chairman of the fire district's board, said
Majeika has paid $180,000 in restitution. Philbrick said the district expects to be repaid in full.

Majeika was arraigned at state police headquarters by Justice of the Peace Richard Finnigan and was released on $1,000 personal recognizance. A pre-arraignment conference has been set for Nov. 3.

-- Maria Armental

The fire district’s Board of Directors commissioned an independent audit, which is ongoing, after realizing last December that tax receipts were substantially lower than normal at that time of year. The board commissioned the audit after discussing tax receipts with Majeika, according to a statement issued by board chairman Brad Philbrick.

The board contacted the state police on July 19 with results of its internal investigation, which indicated that $262,000 had been misappropriated. That night, the board terminated Majeika, according to Philbrick.

The fire district says that the crime affects tax collections from the 2004 and 2005 billings, but not the 2006 billings, which were mailed in late July.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:30 PM | Permalink

September 5, 2006

Richmond tax collector arrested for embezzling $262,000

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