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8/20/2010

Salina Journal

By TIM UNRUH

Salina Journal

CLAY COUNTY — A chief dispatcher and records clerk in the Clay County Sheriff’s Office has been charged with three felonies in the theft of $2,427 in cash from the county.

Teia J. Adams is charged with felony theft, misuse of public funds and making false information, according to a complaint filed with the Clay County District Court.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Adams, 42, of Green, Wednesday after an investigation. Clay County Sheriff Chuck Dunn “noted discrepancies” in the sheriff’s office’s bookkeeping and requested the KBI’s help, according to a press release from Dunn and Clay County Attorney Rick James.

The alleged theft occurred between Dec. 31 and April 23, the complaint reads.

“There were some bookkeeping problems, some money missing. (Adams) is basically the one in charge of the money,” Dunn said.

Because of a close working relationship with the sheriff’s office, James appointed a special prosecutor — Marysville attorney Jason Brinegar — to handle the case.

Brinegar filed the complaint in Clay County District Court, but would not comment on the case Thursday, saying details would be revealed during court proceedings.

“I’ve been hired for the limited purpose of pursuing the charges on the complaint,” Brinegar said. “I am essentially stepping into the role as Clay County attorney …”

Put on paid leave

A spokeswoman at the district court office in Clay Center said Adams posted $1,000 bond Wednesday and was released. Her first appearance in court is 1 p.m. Sept. 13. The attorney for Adams is Brenda Jordan of Manhattan, the spokeswoman said. A call to Jordan’s office Thursday afternoon was not returned.

James said Thursday he could not comment on the case. Referring to the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, James said someone convicted of these nonperson felonies would face a minimum of 20 months in prison if sentences run consecutively. If there is no criminal history, he said probation is presumed.

Adams has been employed since Sept. 17, 1998, and she’s paid $15.03 an hour, Clay County Clerk Kayla Wang said.

Sheriff Dunn said Adams has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.

n Reporter Tim Unruh can be reached at 822-1419 or by e-mail at [email protected].