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Former Altoona City Clerk Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud
WICHITA, KAN. – Chrystal Scherbarth, 30, a former city clerk of Altoona, Kansas, pleaded guilty to bank fraud on Wednesday, according to U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.
Scherbarth, a resident of Altoona, admitted to using her access to the city’s accounts at the First Neodesha Bank to commit the crime. The city of Altoona suffered a total loss of more than $47,800.
She used her power to fraudulently increase her own hourly pay, pay herself for overtime, credit herself with unearned paid vacation, and credit herself with unearned sick leave.
The plea agreement is a significant blow to the public’s trust in the city’s financial management. The case highlights the importance of proper oversight and accountability in government institutions.
The sentencing for Scherbarth is set for April 29. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.
U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case. Their efforts have brought a sense of justice to the community and serve as a reminder that corruption will not be tolerated.
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of public corruption and the importance of transparency in government. It is essential that public officials are held accountable for their actions and that the public has access to accurate and reliable information.
The Altoona community can now begin the process of healing and rebuilding trust. The guilty plea is a step in the right direction, and it is essential that those responsible for the crime are held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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