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Trial date set for former Harris clerkBy Danielle Strenke An omnibus hearing and jury trial were set last week for former Harris city clerk Bonnie Swanson, who was in court for a rule five hearing last Wednesday in front of Judge James Clifford at the Chisago County Courthouse. Swanson was notified of five separate counts being filed against her, in connection with the felony theft of funds from the city of Harris during her employment with the city. She is charged with four counts of theft of over $5,000, and one count of theft of over $500. Swanson agreed to be present for an omnibus hearing Mar. 13, and a jury trial Aug. 19. The judge waived any further bail per the agreement that Swanson will be in court on those dates. Charges were filed against the former clerk late last year, after a thorough investigation by the state auditorís office found the possible theft of over $57,000. The investigation was started after an independent auditing firm found discrepancies in the payment of several checks in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Swanson resigned from her position in December 2000. The first four counts against Swanson carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine. The fifth count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. ©ECM Post Review |