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Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Halverson faces charges in Mesa
MESA — A Lind woman is facing charges related to an embezzlement case in Franklin County.
Charmain Mary Halverson, 50, of Lind, was arrested June 26 on charges of theft, injury to public record, misappropriation by treasurer and official misconduct. She was arrested, booked into the Franklin County Jail and then released on bail.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Halverson was the clerk-treasurer for the city of Mesa, where she allegedly used the city’s debit card illegally.
“She is accused of accumulated nearly $10,000 in unauthorized purchases by misusing government funds for personal items, including new tires for her personal vehicle, Franklin County Undersheriff Monty Huber said.
Records show Halverson worked as the city treasurer from 2022 to October 2023. During that time, she used the city debit card to purchase the tires and other personal items, as well as pay personal bills.
During that time, she had a city pay of $38,400, public records show.
The embezzlement came to light when the subsequent Mesa clerk-treasurer determined money was missing, records show.
Information on the missing funds was forwarded to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, records show. After a six-month investigation, deputies determined there was probable cause to arrest Halverson.
Halverson is the second Mesa clerk-treasurer to be arrested for stealing city funds since 2021; Danni Lee Speelman was charged with forgery after allegedly stealing about $3,700 from the city, where she worked from December 2021 until July 2022.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate Halverson and is asking anyone with information related to the embezzlement to contact detective Jack Dodson by calling 509-545-3501. He can also be reached via email at [email protected].
Roger Harnack is owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. An award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher who grew up in Eastern Washington, he's one of only two Washington state journalists ever to receive the international Golden Quill for editorial/commentary writing. Roger is committed to preserving local media, and along with it, a local voice for Eastern Washington.
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