Former Wisconsin Director
Faces Theft Charges
Charges of felony theft and misconduct were filed against the former director of the Edgerton (Wis.) Public Library May 15. Marylou Pierce Smith, who left the library April 5, is accused of stealing books, CDs, and other materials, as well as falsifying a $952 New Orleans hotel receipt for last year’s ALA Annual Conference. If convicted, she could receive up to 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
A city audit of the library had shown that 514 items worth $6,864 were missing, the Associated Press reported May 17. The criminal complaint said Smith initially claimed other employees had tried to set her up, but that she later admitted taking the materials as well as ordering items she knew she wanted for herself. Smith said she “recognized that she has a serious problem and is under treatment with a psychiatrist.”
Among stolen materials found at Smith’s home were 148 books and 92 CDs; she had also given some items to family and friends who didn’t realize they were stolen, the complaint said.
Smith was released on a signature bond, pending a preliminary hearing June 8.
Posted May 22, 2000.
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