According to a press release from the Carlton County Sheriff's Office, previous Atkinson Township Board Member Traci Ann Juntunen, 40, of Mahtowa, was investigated for and has been charged with three felony counts of theft by swindle.
The press release reads as follows:
Carlton County Sheriff Kelly Lake reported on January 18, 2010, a representative of the Atkinson Township Board reported to the Carlton County Sheriff's Office there were concerns of a previous Township Board member filing a false claim for monetary reimbursement to the Township Board. The Sheriff's Office was also informed the Atkinson Township Board contacted the Minnesota State Auditor's Office and requested a formal audit of the Township accounting procedures, practices, and records related to the Township disbursements for the year 2009.
The State Auditor's Office completed their audit and provided the Carlton County Sheriff's Office with their findings in May 2010. The Carlton County Sheriff's Office was then able to complete their investigation into the matter and forwarded all reports to the County Attorney's Office for issuance of charges.
In July 2010, Traci Ann Juntunen, 40, of Mahtowa was charged with three Felony Counts of Theft by Swindle for obtaining property or services from another by swindling said property consisting of public funds.
