Columbus – The former fiscal officer of the Village of Aberdeen (Brown County) has been indicted for theft in office stemming from money he allegedly stole from village utility, income tax and copying payments. 

Nathan Pfeffer, 57, was indicted on May 31, 2017, in Brown County for thefts totaling $26,601. Auditors discovered that between October 2014 and August 2016, Pfeffer stole $23,108.68 from Utility Department payments and $3,295.52 from payments to the Income Tax Department. In addition, Pfeffer is charged with stealing $196.80 from citizens who paid for copies and faxes to be sent at the village office.

Pfeffer was indicted on theft in office, tampering with evidence and two counts of tampering with records. All are felonies of the third degree.

“Crimes by public officials undermine society’s faith in its government,” Auditor Dave Yost said. “When the citizens of Aberdeen pay their taxes and utility bills, they trust that the money will go to the proper accounts – not in someone’s pocket. We trust that the court of law will determine whether Mr. Pfeffer committed the crimes he has been charged with and that justice will be served.”  

Pfeffer allegedly falsified the village’s monthly reconciliations to conceal the theft from village officials.  Pfeffer was served his summons on indictment on June 3, 2017.

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

Contact:
Beth Gianforcaro
Press Secretary
614-644-1111