Payroll clerk charged with theft

FULTON, Mo. -- A former Fulton municipal payroll clerk has been charged with stealing at least $10,000 over one year.

Dora Stone, 37, was the city's only payroll clerk until March 31, when she was fired because of the allegation. An investigation found at least $10,000 in city funds were missing.

Stone, who could not be reached for comment, was arrested Friday. She was released from jail after posting a $5,000 bond.

"We're very disappointed that this happened and that a trust has been violated," Fulton city administrator Bill Johnson said.

Stone, who had worked for the city since early 1999, came under suspicion after Jane Hubbard, Fulton's chief financial officer, and Lee Bailey, the human resources director, discovered that funds were missing, Johnson said.

The city referred the case in March to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and hired an independent auditor to review payroll records.

"We believe we have discovered all the discrepancies," Johnson said, adding that he is confident the city will get its money back.

If convicted, Stone faces up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine, Callaway County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Sterner said.