Charges Filed Against County Employee

By Craig Day, News On 6

MUSKOGEE, OK -- Hundreds of thousands of dollars are missing from the Muskogee County Court Clerk's Office and charges have been filed against an employee. Prosecutors say she embezzled $340,000, maybe even more.

This investigation began last week, after an area bank had questions about a check. Closer scrutiny of records in the court clerk's office led to charges filed Monday.

The Muskogee County District Attorney filed charges against Jackie Borovetz, a seven year employee of the county clerk's office. Borovetz, is charged with embezzling.

"She had access of course to these monies, being the nature of her job, and that she did divert and appropriate this money to her use," said Muskogee County D.A. Larry Moore.

The court clerk's office takes in court fees and fines and the money is divided among certain county offices and programs.

"Everything balanced.  Everything was in order.  Everyone was getting their money as far as we showed, they just weren't getting what they were supposed to be getting," said County Court Clerk Paula Sexton.

Borovetz is suspected of embezzling the money dating back to November.

Sexton says previous yearly audits of the office, most recently last November, failed to uncover any wrongdoing.

"It would have been caught next month, but how much more damage would have been caused by next month, I wouldn't even care to guess," said Sexton.

"It is possible that this could have happened after the audit," said Moore.

The district attorney's office and state auditors are working to see if any more money was taken. No matter the amount, they say it damages the public's trust and credibility of the office.

"When it comes from public money like this, it shocks you.  There has been people expressing anger about this and rightfully so," said Moore.

"Horrible. Horrible betrayal of everything and everybody," said Sexton.

Borovetz faces up to 10 years in prison and restitution if convicted.

State law also allows for fines of three times the amount taken for public employees convicted of embezzlement.

The county could file liens on assets to recover lost money.

Borovetz contacted the News On 6 Friday saying she has a gambling problem, but she wouldn't comment any further.