Ex-employee remains free on bond

 

The case of a former employee of the Lawrence County Treasurer’s Office who is accused of stealing public money has been bound over to Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.

Mindy Joseph, 30, of 568 Township Road 253, Ironton, waived her right to a preliminary hearing Thursday in Ironton Municipal Court.

Judge O. Clark Collins then sent the case to the higher court. Joseph could now have her case heard by a Lawrence County Grand Jury or she could opt to sign a bill of information.

A grand jury would determine if there is enough evidence to have the theft case tried in common pleas court. A BOI would allow Joseph to admit her guilt, bypass the grand jury and trial and proceed to punishment.

Joseph is facing three counts of theft and one count each of identity fraud and tampering with evidence.

She is accused of stealing $2,200 while she was employed at the treasurer’s office and, in a separate incident, with trying to take a fellow employee’s personal information to obtain a credit card for herself.

Joseph has since been terminated from employment with the county office. She is free on a $25,000 bond.