December 9, 2004
The theft of funds from the Peoria Municipal Court was worse than initially feared, city officials said Wednesday.
Peoria police initially estimated the loss at $320,000, but officials admitted that "at least" $355,000 was embezzled over about a four-year period, allegedly by a court worker.
"We're shocked and outraged," City Manager Terry Ellis said.
Ellis said safeguards have been put in place to prevent a recurrence, including new procedures for handling cash.
In the meantime, Kelly Corsette, a city spokesman, said police have completed their criminal investigation.
The case has been forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for consideration of possible charges against Rose Marie Baldizan, a former court supervisor, Corsette said.
Baldizan, 43, a court employee since July 1991, resigned Sept. 29 when police served a search warrant at her home.
Police alleged in court documents that Baldizan, who prepared the court's daily bank deposit, would withhold cash in amounts ranging from $200 to $2,000, then pocket the funds and prepare false spreadsheets to cover up the losses.
David Michael Cantor, a Tempe lawyer for Baldizan, said Wednesday that a lot of money is at stake in the criminal investigation.
"We intend to meet with prosecutors and get to the bottom of this, one way or another," Cantor said.
Ellis said the city will explore "the possibility of financial recovery from the responsible party."1-888-8CANTOR 480-858-0808
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