AUGUSTA, Maine — A former Somerset County district attorney’s office clerk accused of stealing an estimated $85,000 over four years pleaded not guilty during a hearing Thursday at the Capitol Judicial Center.
Julie A. Smith, 58, of Skowhegan was indicted on charges of theft by unauthorized taking and tampering with public records by a Somerset County grand jury on Sept. 3, Maine Assistant Attorney General Leanne Robbin said Friday.
The thefts reportedly occurred from April 21, 2010, through Oct. 9, 2014, and involved money paid as restitution and supervision fees submitted to the Somerset County district attorney’s office for payment to either Somerset County or others designated to receive restitution in connection with the disposition of criminal cases, according to the indictment.
The tampering occurred from June 2, 2010, through July 2, 2014, when Smith allegedly tampered with public records, the indictment stated.
Smith is accused of entering “yes” in the restitution database that cash that had been tendered as supervision fees had been “paid out” to Somerset County when in fact she knew the money had not been transmitted to the Somerset County treasurer’s office.
Smith, who is being represented by Walter Hamstein, is free on $5,000 cash bail, Robbin said.
The theft charge is a Class B felony that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000, while the tampering charge is a misdemeanor.
Robbin said Thursday’s arraignment took place at the courthouse in Augusta rather than at the Somerset County Courthouse in Skowhegan to accommodate the scheduling needs of those involved in the prosecution and defense of the case.
Smith’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 18 in Skowhegan, Robbin said.