Posted October 13, 2003.

Judge Rejects Plea Bargain in Muncie Embezzlement

A county judge revoked a plea agreement reached in September by prosecutors and former Muncie (Ind.) Public Library bookkeeper Robert C. Oxley, who pleaded guilty to the theft of more than $123,000 from the library in return for the dismissal of a more serious charge of forgery.

Delaware County Judge Robert Barnet Jr. rejected the deal after learning that Oxley had been convicted of six felonies in Florida before he was hired by the library in 2000, the Muncie Star Press reported October 9. His previous criminal record, which involved forgery, grand larceny, and drug-related convictions, was discovered during a pre-sentencing investigation.

Deputy Prosecutor Mark McKinney said he did not know whether library officials knew about Oxley’s record. A new trial date has been set for October 29 on charges of both forgery and embezzlement.

Posted October 13, 2003.