Former Milam County Treasurer Donna Orsag made an open guilty plea to a tampering with evidence charge Tuesday in 20th District Court.
She will have her sentencing and restitution determined by the court in a May sentencing hearing.
Orsag, 57, resigned her position Sept. 25, 2017, after her arrest, following an investigation by the Milam County Sheriff’s Department.
The charge stems from allegations Orsag took money from Bea’s Kitchen deposits to the county and destroyed records that included daily deposit sheets and emails.
Prosecutor Bill Torrey said all of the $294 believed to have been taken has been paid back.
REQUEST—While there isn’t a plea bargain, and sentencing will be determined from the bench, the prosecutor’s office is requesting a five-year probated prison sentence, including shock probation where the defendant would spend 180 days in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and pay a $10,000 fine.
According to Torrey, the court is also to consider an unindicted case of theft by public servant ($2,500 to $30,000), with restitution of approximately $9,700 in sentencing of the defendant.
‘HARDSHIPS’—An arrest affidavit filed by Chief Deputy Chris White, who investigated the case, indicated Orsag had confessed to taking money, citing “financial hardships.”
The affidavit states County Auditor Danica Lara contacted the sheriff’s department Sept. 13 to say she recognized the treasurer was “floating money,” essentially loaning herself money at no interest.
The county receives funds from various sources to provide lunches at Bea’s Kitchen, to provide reduced cost lunches for persons over 65.
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