KIOWA, Colo.—Former Elbert County Assessor Phyllis Jean “P.J.” Trostel has pleaded not guilty to charges of embezzlement, forgery and other charges.
The Denver Post reports that Trostel entered the plea Monday. Elbert County District Judge Jeffrey Holmes scheduled a motions hearing for Dec. 15 and the trial March 22.
The 57-year-old Trostel is accused of using her county credit card to buy gift cards and personal items. She’s also accused in a 28-county grand jury indictment issued in September of buying a digital camcorder and two printers with public funds.
Trostel became assessor in 2007 and was placed on leave in September. She lost her re-election bid in the August Republican primary.
Current Elbert County Treasurer Billie Mills was elected assessor last week.
———
Information from: The Denver Post,
