Rawlins, Wyo. – A former city finance director was charged with felony larceny for allegedly stealing more than $150,000 from the city over 3 1/2 years.
Authorities said Jamie Hooker herself notified local officials of her activities – although she didn’t know the exact amount – after learning that the Internal Revenue Service was planning an audit of the city’s finances.
According to court documents, Hooker worked for the city for about 28 years, the last four as finance director. Shortly after becoming finance director, she directed city payroll funds into accounts she held at Rawlins National Bank, Bank of Commerce and Laramie Plains Federal Credit Union. She then used the money to pay bills, travel, and buy cars and other items.
Hooker abruptly left her job May 12 after learning of the planned IRS audit. She filed a letter of resignation May 31, according to Ryan Cox, a special agent with the state Division of Criminal Investigation. On June 28, Hooker told Carbon County Attorney David Clark she had taken as much as $50,000 from the city, although subsequent investigations have found the number to be three times that amount.
Clark said he would most likely seek prison time, in addition to restitution, if Hooker is convicted.
