Former Jefferson County treasurer arraigned for embezzlement - KRTV News in Great Falls, Montana

BOULDER --  Patricia Dawn O'Neill, a former Jefferson County Treasurer accused of embezzling from the county, pleaded not guilty to the charge in Jefferson County District Court Wednesday.

O'Neill was arraigned in Judge Loren Tucker's court Wednesday morning in Boulder on one count of felony theft by embezzlement.

Prosecutors allege that O'Neill stole approximately $200,000 over a six-year period.

O'Neill is accused of "forcing balances" on the county books: receiving funds, recording them as income but not depositing them.

She resigned from her post in April of last year when she told the county clerk and recorder that she'd taken the money.

According to court documents, O'Neill told investigators that she planned to win the lottery and pay the county back.

If convicted, she faces as much as ten years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.

Following her court appearance, O'Neill was booked and released at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

She's living in Fairview and working in North Dakota.

A trial date has not been set in this case.

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(January 16, 2015) Former Jefferson County Treasurer Patricia O'Neill has been charged with stealing $200,000 from the county.

The charge was filed in Jefferson County Court this week.

Court documents indicate that, over the period of six years, O'Neill is accused of embezzling the funds from the county by "forcing balances" on the county books, receiving funds, recording them as income, and depositing the funds in her personal accounts, not the with the county.

She resigned from her post in April when she told the county clerk and recorder that she'd taken the money.

According to court documents, O'Neill told investigators that she planned to win the lottery and pay the county back.

O'Neill is scheduled to appear in court next month.