Posted June 11, 2004.
Alabama Librarian Suspected of Embezzlement
Police issued a warrant June 8 for Phenix City–Russell County (Ala.) Public Library Director Irma Duke after a citywide audit turned up discrepancies of approximately $50,000 in the library’s budget. The library board voted unanimously the same day to terminate Duke and have her personal belongings removed from the building. Duke, who has worked at the library for more than 30 years, had been placed on unpaid leave since May, according to the June 9 Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer.
District Attorney Ken Davis said his office’s findings will be presented to a grand jury that will convene in August. Duke is expected to be charged with first-degree theft from 42 separate checks.
Posted June 11, 2004.