Defense attorney Kathleen Batliner confirmed the allegations involve money allegedly taken during a fundraiser for Miami University Hamilton’s scholarship in Corp. Nicholas Olivas’ memory.
But, Batliner said, “My client is innocent.”
Olivas, a Hamilton native and Fairfield High School graduate, was killed May 30, 2012, when a device exploded while he was on patrol in Zharay, Afghanistan.
Gudgell was a probationary employee at the sheriff’s office and resigned when confronted about an ongoing investigation by Hamilton Police, according to the sheriff’s office.
“She was on probation at the time. She was confronted with the allegations and chose to resign. When an employee is on probation there is a great deal of scrutiny with any legal contact,” Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer told the Journal-News.
Gudgell was hired in August 2016 and resigned Jan. 30, according to the sheriff’s office.
A money box was allegedly removed by Gudgell from Miami University Hamilton on June 2, according to the Hamilton police report. Gudgell was arrested Feb 1 after an investigation.
Police declined to disclose how much money was taken, but the charge is a misdemeanor so by law it is less that $1,000.
Court documents obtained by the Journal-News state: “Halle Gudgell stole cash from a cash box from a fundraiser at Miami University Hamilton.”
Gudgell is charged with first-degree misdemeanor theft, which carries a possible sentence of 180 days in jail.
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