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A former utility clerk for the village of McArthur faces felony charges for allegedly stealing bill payments
By: WOUB News Team
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — The former utility clerk for the village of McArthur has been indicted for the alleged theft of water and sewer bill payments.
Cathy Stoughton is facing one felony count of theft in office, four felony counts of tampering with records and a misdemeanor count of soliciting improper compensation.
The state auditor’s office launched an investigation in March 2024 after discrepancies were discovered during the village’s regular financial audit.
Stoughton, who worked as utility clerk from January 2004 until her resignation in July 2025, was solely responsible for preparing utility bills and collecting, posting and depositing utility payments, according to the auditor’s office.
Investigators determined that she had failed to deposit portions of utility payments between January 2021 and April 2024. The criminal investigation is ongoing.