Merrill City Recorder Charged With Theft

A former City Recorder has been accused of embezzling about 75 thousand dollars from the city of Merrill.

48 year old Deborah Sue Fuller faces multiple charges of aggravated theft, first-degree theft, and official misconduct.

Merrill City Marshal Brian Bicknell notes that Fuller resigned from her position of City Recorder in July of last year when the investigation began...

"Just becoming aware of the possibility of money not being handled correctly inside the office, caught my attention and prompted me to look into it further."

Court records say Fuller stole money between July of 2009 and June of 2013.

"I think it's important to realize that there are 900-plus victims to this crime."  Pointed out Marshal Bicknell.  "And that would be all the residents in the city of Merrill."

Due to a potential conflict of interest, Marshal Bicknell has turned the investigation over to the Oregon State Police.

Mayor Tim Saunders says the City of Merrill is taking steps to prevent the situation from happening again...

"We've changed how we bring in our money, how it's recorded, how it's deposited."

"The entire accounting procedure for the City of Merrill has changed."  Added Bicknell.

Fuller was booked and released on the charges today.  Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 1.

Mayor Saunders says he has an important task ahead...

"We need to gain the trust back from the citizens to the City of Merrill."

Deborah Fuller faces 8 counts of first-degree theft, 4 counts of aggravated theft, and 1 count of official misconduct in the first degree.