A former Monroe County Road Commission employee has been charged with stealing nearly $90,000 over 15 years.

Sixty-five-year-old JoAnne Aichler of LaSalle was arraigned Monday on one count of embezzlement over $50,000 by a public official, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted. She was released on a $10,000 personal bond.

Aichler, a 23-year employee of the road commission who worked in bookkeeping, was fired in late February or early March when a misappropriation of funds was discovered. Police say money was stolen in small increments over several years.

Road Commission Chairman Robert Duffey tells The Monroe Evening News officials are "deeply saddened" at being "hoodwinked" by a longtime employee.

Aichler requested a court-appointed attorney. She faces a pretrial hearing later this week.