Crook who stole from Hilliard’s pool funds exposed

Update: A 24-year employee of the City of Hilliard has come forward to take responsibility for the thefts from the city pool funds.

Heather Ernst, 47, who was the Deputy Director of the Recreation and Parks Department until she resigned in November, was in control of the cash flows at the pools which gave her the opportunity to skim some off the top for herself at the expense of taxpayers. She falsely reported information to cover up her tracks.

Ernst has been charged with Theft in Office which is a third-degree felony, reports ABC6. She faces up to five years in prison plus a $10,000 fine.

11/21/2017: It was all fun and games this summer as people of all ages splashed around in both of the city pools in Hilliard but when it came time to count up the profits, it appeared a little was taken off the top.

Upon a preliminary investigation, police believe that not all the daily cash proceeds were accounted for in deposits made by the Hilliard Parks and Rec department, reports NBC4i.

Was this an inside job?

The amount thieved was not disclosed but the Mayor of Hilliard assures the city is doing everything they can to track down the person or persons responsible. They’re even calling in a forensics team to further investigate.

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