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Former Combine city secretary arrested
By Tricia Scruggs: reporter@terrelltribune.com
Kaufman County Sheriff’s deputies recently arrested a woman who was hired in the spring by the City of Combine to keep its records straight, but instead may have helped herself to city funds.
Pamela Stone, 33, who worked as the city secretary was charged with misapplication of fiduciary property after Combine City Council members discovered in excess of $10,000 in personal purchases on a city-owned Visa credit card.
“At our Nov. 10 meeting, we decided to release her, but it wasn’t because of this; it was because she wasn’t doing a good job,” said second-term Council member Mitzi Boyd. “But, she was a very likeable person.”
Boyd said after Stone’s firing she and other council members began taking over some of her duties until a replacement could be found. When they opened a bill that had questionable charges and a large balance, they called police.
According to authorities, Stone was arrested Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Day, and was found to have two additional warrants on unrelated theft charges. She was arraigned Nov. 26 and released after posting a $6,000 bail.
“This is an ongoing investigation,” Sheriff David Byrnes said. “More criminal charges may be filed against Ms. Stone.”
Some of the items Stone allegedly charged were from Walmart, a bowling alley and a bookstore.
Boyd said the City of Combine, a town of less than 2,000, has limited resources and did not complete a formal criminal background check prior to hiring Stone, but based the decision on personal references.
“We’re doing everything to find out what happened, but everything is still under investigation,” Boyd said. “Until the investigation is over or we’ve gotten enough information, we’re not giving any information about what the city is going to do next. It’s just too soon.”
However, she added that the city secretary’s position is still vacant and officials are looking for someone to fill the slot.
Pamela Stone, 33, who worked as the city secretary was charged with misapplication of fiduciary property after Combine City Council members discovered in excess of $10,000 in personal purchases on a city-owned Visa credit card.
“At our Nov. 10 meeting, we decided to release her, but it wasn’t because of this; it was because she wasn’t doing a good job,” said second-term Council member Mitzi Boyd. “But, she was a very likeable person.”
Boyd said after Stone’s firing she and other council members began taking over some of her duties until a replacement could be found. When they opened a bill that had questionable charges and a large balance, they called police.
According to authorities, Stone was arrested Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Day, and was found to have two additional warrants on unrelated theft charges. She was arraigned Nov. 26 and released after posting a $6,000 bail.
“This is an ongoing investigation,” Sheriff David Byrnes said. “More criminal charges may be filed against Ms. Stone.”
Some of the items Stone allegedly charged were from Walmart, a bowling alley and a bookstore.
Boyd said the City of Combine, a town of less than 2,000, has limited resources and did not complete a formal criminal background check prior to hiring Stone, but based the decision on personal references.
“We’re doing everything to find out what happened, but everything is still under investigation,” Boyd said. “Until the investigation is over or we’ve gotten enough information, we’re not giving any information about what the city is going to do next. It’s just too soon.”
However, she added that the city secretary’s position is still vacant and officials are looking for someone to fill the slot.
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