Former Weston Utility Clerk Charged with Fraud in Public Office Free on Signature Bond

Thursday, June 27th, 2024 -- 11:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The former Weston Utility Clerk accused of fraudulently transferring credits from recently sold properties is free on a signature bond.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Theresa Coleman was formally charged with five felony counts of misconduct or fraud in public office. She’s accused of shorting the village by more than $21,000 over three years by transferring credits to her own account or the accounts of others that she knew. Investigators say most of the credits came from properties that recently changed hands.

Investigators found those transfers amounted to $600-$700 per month. The 59-year-old appeared in court with her attorney for Wednesday’s hearing. She did not enter a plea. The Village announced that she was terminated in January after an investigation uncovered the missing money.

At the time they noted that evidence suggested Coleman had access to those funds. Investigators add that in one case a $140 credit was transferred with a note claiming the former property owner wanted to transfer it to his sister, who was having financial troubles.

That victim told investigators he didn’t have a sister. Similar notes were found on other accounts. Coleman was released on a $5,000 signature bond and returns to court on July 31st.

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