Treasurer Resigns Amid Probe State Has Completed Investigation Into Suspected Embezzlement

Bonner County Treasurer Karen Weldon, who is suspected of embezzling nearly $18,000 of taxpayer money, resigned her post this week.

Weldon, 44, submitted a one sentence letter of resignation to commissioners, ending her six-year career as an elected official.

The Republican treasurer, who may now face criminal charges, came under scrutiny in February. County officials noted some irregularities in her expenses and county credit card use. An internal audit later showed several thousand dollars missing from Weldon’s office.

Commissioners called for an investigation by the State Attorney General’s Office in April and Weldon was placed on paid medical leave for 30 days. She was then granted a leave of absence without pay until offering her resignation from the $31,500 post.

The state inquiry is complete and was sent to county Prosecutor Tevis Hull last week. Hull said he will decide in the next 10 days if embezzlement or other charges will be filed against Weldon.

Weldon, who has retained a Coeur d’Alene attorney, had no comment on her resignation. Her letter to commissioners simply stated, “Effective the date of this letter, I hereby tender my resignation as Treasurer of Bonner County.”

Republican Party officials said the controversy has been disappointing, but Weldon did the right thing by stepping down.

“It’s very sad it had to happen like this and under these circumstances,” said Paul Rechnitzer, chairman of the county’s Republican Central Committee. “All I can say is it’s too bad and it never should have happened.”

The Republican Central Committee is charged with selecting three candidates to replace Weldon. Those names must be submitted to the county commissioners within 15 days and the commissioners will appoint a new treasurer.

Rechnitzer said the committee will meet next week and hopes to have its short list of candidates by Thursday.

“I don’t know how many people will come forward between now and then and ask to be considered, but right now we have six people interested in the job,” he said.

The new treasurer will serve the remaining two years of Weldon’s term.

Like most other elected posts, there are no requirements candidates must meet other than to be a county resident and of voting age. Rechnitzer said that is a flaw in the democratic system that should be addressed by state lawmakers.

“Most elected offices don’t have any requirements. You don’t even have to be a high school graduate. That is one of the pathetic things about our system,” he said.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT Bonner County Prosecutor Tevis Hull will decide if charges will be filed. The county Republican Party will propose three candidates to fill the remainder of the term. Commissioners will make the final selection.