Antoinette Hodge, Treasurer of Uniontown, Fayette, County, is charged with stealing over $100,000 in taxpayer funds
HARRISBURG– Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced charges against Antoinette Hodge, the elected Treasurer of the City of Uniontown in Fayette County, for allegedly stealing approximately $106,000 in taxpayer funds while in office.
“The defendant is a public official entrusted to oversee city funds with integrity and accountability,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “Instead, she is accused of stealing from taxpayers to enrich herself. My Office will investigate and prosecute anyone who abuses their position of power for their own financial gain.”
In early 2021, the Uniontown City Council launched an investigation after more than a dozen taxpayers received delinquency notices despite having already paid their taxes. An extensive forensic audit of the 2020-2021 time-frame found that there was a loss of $106,750 of taxpayer money during that time.
A Grand Jury investigation into the theft determined that Antoinette Hodge, who was elected treasurer in 2019, had converted this money for her own personal gain. Staff at the City’s Treasurer’s Office testified that various changes were made under Hodge’s leadership, including Hodge taking over filling out deposit slips, taking over as the sole person reviewing the tax account information, and eliminating other checks and balances within the Treasurer’s Office.
The investigation further determined that, during this time period, Hodge took numerous costly vacations and spent tens of thousands of dollars each year on gambling.
Hodge has been charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking, Receiving Stolen Property, Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds Received, Misapplication of Entrusted Property, Obstructing Administration of Law or other Governmental Function, and Perjury.
This case was referred to the Office of Attorney General from the Fayette County District Attorney’s Office. Charges were filed by the Pennsylvania State Police Western Organized Crime Unit. This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Kara Rice. All charges discussed are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General has made over 100 public corruption arrests since Attorney General Josh Shapiro took office in 2017.
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