Fremont County clerk takes plea deal after ‘misusing’ taxpayer money

Fremont County Clerk and Recorder Katie Barr took a plea deal Wednesday with a significant reduction in charges after she was arrested in March for misusing more than $220,000 in county funds.

Barr entered an agreement to plead guilty to one count of issuance of a bad check — a third-degree misdemeanor — with a one-year deferred jail sentence, meaning if she stays out of trouble for the next year, she’ll serve no jail time after being caught using taxpayer funds in her personal accounts.

Barr was originally charged with embezzlement of public property, witness intimidation, harassment and fraud by check.

In Barr’s plea deal, she’ll pay a $750 fine in addition to “standard costs and surcharges,” according to the Fremont Court. She must also complete 100 hours of “useful public service” and must complete a financial responsibility class.

According to court documents , Barr, 37, used county funds to write checks to cover several accounts — including an account at her husband’s auto business — through a complicated scheme known as check-kiting.

According to the arrest document, Barr wrote 254 checks totaling $231,000 during a six-year period.

“It’s important to note the county isn’t missing any money,” County Commissioner Tim Payne said. “She replaced it all eventually. But what she did, and how she did it, is illegal and improper for an elected county official.”

Affidavits also allege that Barr told people in her office not to discuss the irregular activities.

Barr is still in her position as the county clerk and recorder, but as part of her plea deal, she can’t cash any personal checks at any Fremont County government office. She also can’t write any check “for overages” and can’t allow others to do that either.

She’ll be back in court next March for a review hearing.