CASEY, Iowa – The former city clerk of Casey, Iowa has admitted to using city credit cards for personal expenses and to engaging in fraud and arson in an attempt to cover her tracks.
Dorothy Dillinger, 61, admitted to using city credit cards, without approval or knowledge of the Casey City council, to buy items for personal use while she was city clerk between 2009 until August 2014, according to a statement from Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin VanderSchel. She then used the U.S. Postal Service to mail city checks to pay the statements for those credit cards.
“Dillinger also admitted to making unauthorized payments to herself for personal expenses without City Council approval or knowledge. Dillinger failed to disclose these expenditures to both the City Council as well as in minutes from City Council meetings,” VanderSchel said.
Dillinger also admitted to setting a fire that destroyed the Casey Community Building the night of August 19, 2014, VanderSchel said. The fire reportedly happened the day before the Iowa State Auditor’s Office was to begin an audit of the city’s financial records.
Dillinger had been accused of stealing nearly $300,000 from the city, according to multiple reports.
As part of the plea agreement, Dillinger will pay restitution to be determined by the court when she is sentenced on September 26, 2016. Dillinger faces at least five years, and up to 20 years, in prison.
