Monroe County Road Commission employee, 65, charged with stealing nearly $90,000 over 15 years

JoAnne Aichler worked as bookkeeper for commission for 23 years; She was fired earlier this year

Published On: Oct 09 2012 09:56:52 AM EDT   Updated On: Oct 09 2012 06:52:05 PM EDT
JoAnne-Aichler
MONROE, Mich. -

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.

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