Federal and state prosecutors announced Thursday they have arrested 15 public officials on corruption-related charges.  As Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Drew Daudelin reports, the so-called “Operation Public Accountability” cases represent the stealing or misuse of more than $1 million.

Most of the public and government workers across the state are treasurers – for agencies like a middle school, a fire department, and even a town.

The amount of money allegedly stolen or misappropriated ranges from $1,256.75 to almost $500,000. U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler says it’s important to put each case in context.

“In a lot of these cases, in these small towns, it’s about a percentage of their annual budget,” Minkler says. “$50,000 is a lot of money to the Greenwood Schools. $44,000 is a lot in Vermillion County.”

Prosecutors say some used the money to pay for personal items, like vehicles.

The largest case, by amount of money, is against Jacqueline Fitzgerald and Monica Durrett, who worked at the Indianapolis Local Public Bond Bank. They’re charged with stealing about $400,000 over several years.

Minkler says preventative measures are being implemented to help deter similar crimes from happening again.

“In all these investigations the State Board of Accounts will note deficiencies in some of these towns, will suggest corrective measures, and will issue compliance reports,” Minkler says. “So that some of these small townships that have public dollars, that have access to this money, are able to be better watchdogs of the public money that they receive.”

Jay County

Among the 15 people charged is former Jay County Sheriff’s Department jail matron Rachel Bentz.  According to Minkler’s office, “She is alleged to have stolen approximately $9,000 by not depositing inmate trustee receipts. This case is pending with the Jay County Prosecutor’s Office.”

Minkler says none of the cases are connected, aside from the fact that they’re all public or government workers. Five are federal cases, and the rest are state level. And he says they should be able to recover the money and return it to their respective agencies.