Town Treasurer Charged With Embezzlement

SPARKS, Okla. (AP) -- A former clerk and treasurer for the Lincoln County town of Sparks is being charged with embezzlement.<br/><br/>Elizabeth Ann Hellams of Sparks is accused of stealing money from traffic

Wednesday, October 17th 2007, 8:29 am

By: News On 6

SPARKS, Okla. (AP) -- A former clerk and treasurer for the Lincoln County town of Sparks is being charged with embezzlement.

Elizabeth Ann Hellams of Sparks is accused of stealing money from traffic fines.

State auditors say more than $18,000 was collected in traffic fines from August 2004 through August 2007 but more than $10,000 is missing. Also missing is $865 in miscellaneous revenue as well as software and office equipment worth nearly $450.

The audit also says state nepotism laws should have prevented Hellams from being hired in May 2004 because her uncle was town mayor at the time.

Current Mayor Pam Kirkam says Hellams hasn't been clerk-treasurer for several months but declined further comment.

Sparks is in southern Lincoln County and has a population of just over 130.