Ex-auditor asks to plead guilty to theft from Owen County

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A federal judge is deciding whether to accept a request to plead guilty from the former Owen County auditor who’s accused of using county-issued credit cards to buy more than $300,000 in personal items.

The (Bloomington) Herald Times reports that Angie Lawson filed a petition in U.S. District Court, saying she understands the allegations against her and the penalties they carry.

Lawson is charged with five counts of theft from county accounts that receive federal funds. She faces up to 10 years in jail, a $250,000 fine and restitution paid to the county.

Investigators say Lawson embezzled money from the county over at least five years.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office says the judge will either accept or reject Lawson’s guilty plea, but no court hearing has been scheduled.