Kevin Murphy, Leader Correspondent
A former Menominee County deputy clerk pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to theft involving county tax funds during 2013.
Patricia A. Firgens, 54, of Keshena, signed a plea agreement on Aug. 19 admitting that between Feb. 25, 2013, and July 19, 2013, she took money that individuals had deposited with the county to pay their property taxes.
According to the 11-page agreement, Firgens had worked in the county clerk’s office for several years before being appointed deputy clerk in 2009. In February 2013, she began a series of thefts from individuals who deposited money with the county to pay their taxes. The thefts continued until July 19, 2013.
Firgens admitted to four thefts totaling more than $1,500 in a written confession. An audit showed that $8,000 was missing and that Firgens had altered documents to conceal her theft.
Shown the audit results, Firgens insisted to law enforcement that she took slightly more than $2,000 in seven thefts.
Firgens also said she was never properly trained for the deputy clerk’s job and took the funds to pay personal expenses and prevent her vehicle from being repossessed.
She was indicted on June 24 on one count of theft of personal property valued at more than $1,000, a felony. Conviction carries maximum statutory penalties of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution.
Her trial was scheduled for Sept. 17.
At her Nov. 17 sentencing, District Judge William Griesbach will impose a punishment that factors in the amount of loss, Firgen’s abuse of a position of trust, any prior convictions and her plea.
In exchange for her guilty plea, the government agrees to recommend a lesser sentence to credit her with acceptance of responsibility for the offense.
Griesbach continued Firgens’ release on conditions until sentencing.
A call to Jeremy Weso, the county’s administrative coordinator, regarding Firgens’ theft was not returned by deadline.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Humble referred a reporter’s questions about Firgens to a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney in Milwaukee who stated that he was unaware if Firgens had repaid the county any of the funds she had taken.