Deputies arrested the new mayor of Walton on abuse of public trust charges.?
Investigators said 62-year-old Phil Trzop, of Walton, sold scrap metal to fund Christmas bonuses and other gatherings for employees. Trzop is also general manager of the Boone County Water District.
However, detectives said the numbers didn't match up in their investigation, and they said Trzop admitted to having money at his house. He then turned it over to authorities, deputies said.?
Detectives estimated Trzop stole about $34,000 over the past three years.
Boone County sheriff?s spokesman Tom Scheben said everything seemed innocent during the investigation with Trzop. ?(In) the third interview we had today, he admitted he had money at home. It took it from innocent mismanagement to a criminal offense,? Scheben said.
In Walton, citizens had mixed feelings.
?I don't know if I can believe that. He seems like a pretty good person when he comes in here,? Amanda Robinson said.
But Jason Speer felt differently. ?Giving something to workers, nothing wrong with giving back, (but) taking some for your own pocket, something (is) wrong with that.?
Trzop was elected Nov. 6 as Walton's mayor and remains jailed on $50,000 bond. If found guilty, Trzop could face up to 10 years in jail.
He was sworn in as mayor immediately after the election to fill a vacant seat.
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