A long-time treasurer for Eau Claire County and his deputy have been arrested for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars over several years from the county government.
Former County Treasurer Larry Lokken and former Deputy Treasurer Kay Onarheim have each been charged with 11 felony counts of theft over $10,000 and three counts of misconduct in office. They had served the county for more than 34 years, until 2013.
Eau Claire Police Department Deputy Chief Matt Rokus said Lokken and Onarheim stole tax payments and then credited accounts to cover up the crime.
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“This is by far the largest criminal investigation that the Eau Claire Police Department has handled involving a government official involved in any type of theft or misappropriation,” said Rokus.
Eau Claire County has filed a $625,000 insurance claim, which may increase as the investigation unfolds.
Lokken and Onarheim both admitted to stealing money while in office.
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