The Elbert County Commissioners today placed Assessor Phyllis Jean “P.J.” Trostel on paid leave of absence until further notice, suspended her access to county financial accounts and removed her from the county fair board.
Trostel, 57, was indicted by a grand jury Sept. 10 on 28 counts of embezzlement, forgery, theft and perjury. She is accused of using county accounts for thousands of dollars in personal purchases and stealing prize money intended for fair queens and princesses.
Trostel requested the leave of absence, but did not appear at the commissioners hearing this morning. The commissioners also cancelled her county credit card.
“I realize there are emotions on this matter,” Commissioner Del Schwab said.
County human resources manager Cheri Radeker said Trostel has not been at work for a lengthy period of time. There was “a severe lack of direction and supervision” in the office, she said.
Rhonda King was named acting supervisor. Citing “safety issues,” the commissioners also noted that a private security officer has been posted at the assessor’s office.
State property-tax administrator JoAnn Groff told the commissioners her office is taking a “more forensic” look at the assessor’s office.
At their Aug. 25 meeting, county commissioners sent a written complaint to Groff, asking for an investigation of Trostel’s work assessing property values in the county. They cited concerns about the high number of property-tax abatements and the appeals to the State Board of Equalization that were lost.
Groff said she has sent employees from her office to assist in the Elbert County Assessor’s office through the November election. The state could charge a daily stipend for the work, but because of the county’s proximity to Denver, Groff said she will not.
In August, she lost a GOP primary election to Elbert County Treasurer Billie Mills, who testified before the grand jury.
Trostel appeared in court for the first time since her indictment on Monday. She was issued a mandatory protection order, which is standard in most cases. Under the order, she cannot harass potential witnesses or victims.
Her next court appearance is Nov. 8.
