ISP: Vermillion Co. township trustee charged with theft

Mitchell/Vermilion Co. Jail

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

VERMILLION COUNTY-- A Vermillion County township trustee turned herself into authorities early this  morning on allegations of theft and misconduct.

Anna “Denise” Mitchell, 57, of Newport, appeared at the Vermillion County Jail at around 7 a.m. in response to a Vermillion County Circuit Court warrant issued against her for two felony counts, Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts said.  Mitchell was then booked into the Vermillion County Jail on one count of official misconduct (level 6 felony) and one count of theft (level 6 felony). 

According to the report, the Indiana State Police investigation  began on July 12 at the request of the Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office, who had been notified by the Indiana State Board of Accounts of possible criminal activity found during a routine audit.  

"The personal use amounted to $10, 547. The State of Indiana incurred additional costs in the amount of $2,711.48 due to the special investigation of Township disbursements for a grand total of $13,258.48," Watts said.

Watts breaks down a trail of alleged theft by Mitchell going back to 2015:

• Investigation revealed that Mitchell issued herself checks totaling $5,000 from May 2016 to February 2017.
• In March of 2015, Mitchell wrote herself a check for $2,000 for construction of a new office at her residence.
• In December 2015, Mitchell issued herself a check for $850 indicating her extra pay as an investigator for Township Assistance.
• In 2016, she overpaid her salary by $1,002 and in 2016, Mitchell overpaid her office rent by $500.
• From June 2015 to October 2016, Mitchell wrote herself ten checks ranging from $50 to $300 and totaling $1,195 as reimbursement for office supplies, and did not possess any support documentation for the purchases.

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The case was investigated by ISP Detective Don Anglin with assistance from the Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office, Indiana State Board of Accounts and Master Trooper Gary Winters.