COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (ADAMS) – Indiana State Police say that the Columbia City Parks Director is now facing criminal charges related to an embezzlement investigation.
On March 15, 2023, the Indiana State Police was notified by the Columbia City Clerk-Treasurer’s Office in regard to questionable expenditures associated with the Columbia City Parks Office budgetary accounts. After receiving that complaint a detailed investigation was conducted by detectives with Indiana State Police Special Investigations Unit, and with the assistance of the State Board of Accounts.
Indiana State Police released the following:
In total, the investigation documented Parks Department budgetary funds totaling just under $250,000.00 spent on unauthorized purchases using the City’s credit card during a period from 2018 through March of 2023.
Once the investigation concluded, the case was turned over to the Whitley County Prosecutor for review and determination of criminal charges to be filed.
On Monday April 18, 2023, after reviewing the case documents, the Whitley County Prosecutor DJ Sigler filed charges in the Whitley Circuit Court against Columbia City Parks Director, Mark D. Green, 51, of Columbia City.
Criminal charges filed:
Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony (4 Counts)
Theft, property greater than $50k, Level 5 Felony (4 Counts)
Theft, property value between $750.00-$50k (1 Count)
Official Misconduct, Public Servant, Level 6 Felony (1 Count)
Last week, Mark Green voluntarily turned himself in to the Whitley County jail, where he was booked into custody on the above charges, and then released under a $50,000.00 bond.
At this time there is no further information to release on this investigation.
All criminal charges listed are merely allegations at this point. All suspects are to be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
