Former arts council employee allowed more time in criminal case

A former administrative assistant for the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri continued her case for the last time Tuesday before Assistant Circuit Court Judge Scott Thomsen, who said she must return for a May hearing with a lawyer.

Valaree Rutherford, 24, charged with forgery, already continued her case once before Thomsen because she was without counsel.

Rutherford is accused of charging more than $13,000 to a Staples credit card belonging to the arts council. She used the card 39 times, charging items such as gift cards and a GPS unit.

After noticing discrepancies in the accounting, executive staff reported the fraud to authorities in December. Rutherford was charged March 12.

She told Thomsen she had hired attorney Stephen Wilson but hadn't earned enough money to pay him yet. She said she'd be able to pay Wilson in three to four weeks.

Pertinent address:

32 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, MO