Alleged thefts totaled nearly 200K

Michelle Dills

Alleged thefts totaled nearly 200K

Posted by

Zach Mitcham

in Top Stories

Wednesday, April 8. 2009

Comments (60)

Former Danielsville City Clerk Michelle Dills allegedly took close to $200,000 from the city during a six-year span.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, a review of audits from fiscal years 2003 to 2008 revealed that Dills allegedly took “in excess of $196,000” in city funds.

Dills, 37, currently faces one felony charge of theft by taking. However, more charges could be added.

“When the case is presented to the Grand Jury, the district attorney has the option of indicting her on additional charges,” said GBI Special Agent Jim Fullington, whose office turned over results of its investigation to District Attorney Bob Lavender Wednesday.

The next Madison County Grand Jury is scheduled to convene April 20.

Fullington said he does not have a count on how many alleged theft incidents there were between 2003-2008, but he said the investigation revealed a consistent pattern of taking funds from the city by Dills. He declined to elaborate on how the money was taken, but said she took city funds in “more than one way.” Fullington said he did not know what she allegedly did with the money or whether she might have any of it to return.

The investigation revealed no evidence of involvement by anyone other than Dills in the thefts.

The GBI launched the investigation into Dills’ alleged thefts after a 2006 audit revealed that the city clerk had apparently taken about $56,000 in city funds that year.

Dills was a bonded city employee, meaning that the city may be able to recoup the lost money through its bonding agency.

Defined tags for this entry: crime, Danielsville, Dills, GBI, theft, Top Stories

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#1 Madison County Resident on 04/09/09 at 07:06 AM [Reply]

They got this all nice and neatly wrapped up,or so they think.They need to keep looking because for someone to take almost $200,000 over that many years someone alot higher up than just her was involved. Yes she may have took some of the money but I don't think she took it all. They probably found out she was taking money and seen it as a open cash box? They had proof she took some so they took some and pinned all the money they took on her too. Now that she's gone it may stop for a little while until who ever helped do it to her finds another sucker to railroad.

#2 what? on 04/09/09 at 07:32 AM [Reply]

Who was this person accountable to? How could this go on for so long?

#3 Madison County Resident on 04/09/09 at 04:37 PM [Reply]

To # 2 what: It's like I said someone that she was accountable to may have had a hand in the cookie jar too but they took some and stopped she got greedy?She got away with it the first time so she thought she wouldn't get caught from then on. But for it to go on for that long someone was either asleep or in on it? Makes you wonder.

#4 colbert resident on 04/09/09 at 05:53 PM [Reply]

exactly. these are the kinds of things that make madison county look bad to the rest of our state. Its like if you ever want to make a few quick bucks, just get a job with our government here and laugh all the way to the bank!!!! I think the whole county should be fired and start over.

#4.1 Informed Citizen on 04/12/09 at 07:08 AM [Reply]

It happened in Danielsville so let's fire the entire county and start over! What a dumb comment. People like you sit on the side lines but never get involved with intelligent information or comment's. Yes there should have been more check and balance's in place so shame on the city leaders for allowing this to happen. To blame the county government is dead wrong. Get involved instead of making stupid comment's.

#4.1.1 Anonymous on 04/12/09 at 04:15 PM [Reply]

if it was such a stupid comment, why did it take you 3 days to respond? did i hit a nerve? are you one of our government workers down there?

#4.1.1.1 Informed Citizen on 04/12/09 at 08:08 PM [Reply]

First , I am not a county employee, second the delay--well I had a few other things to do.

#4.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 04/13/09 at 07:33 PM [Reply]

WELL SAID

#4.1.1.2 Maria on 04/12/09 at 10:58 PM [Reply]

I don't think it had to do with hitting a nerve so much as you combining two totally separate kinds of government.
THIS article pertains to Danielsville "city" which is located IN the"county". THIS issue had to do solely with the city. The county is a separate government entity. Therefore, to fire the entire "county" doesn't make sense.

#4.1.1.2.1 colbert resident on 04/13/09 at 03:42 PM [Reply]

first of all it's "entirely" not entity! secondly the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!! thirdly, one bad apple does spoil a bunch. face it the whole county and city has been stealing and covering up for too long now, wipe the slate clean and start over.

#4.1.1.2.1.1 Maria on 04/13/09 at 09:37 PM [Reply]

No, the word is "entity". Buy a Websters, that would be a dictionary, look it up.
Informed Citizen, some people just don't get it. So sad.

#5 t bone on 04/09/09 at 09:14 PM [Reply]

if you live in the city please run for mayor or
city counsel they have their eyes closed its
way past time for a change

#5.1 MC Taxpayer on 04/11/09 at 07:21 PM [Reply]

Can someone run for dog catcher and change that department ?

#5.1.1 Not a Jack Huff Fan on 04/16/09 at 08:30 AM [Reply]

Get rid of the dept. head and provlem SOLVED.

#6 Madison County Resident on 04/10/09 at 03:15 PM [Reply]

Amen,Madison County looks like a bunch of back woods hicks to the rest of the state.Madison Co.acts like they don't have a clue as to what's going on in the local goverment.

#7 MC taxpayer on 04/10/09 at 04:04 PM [Reply]

Do we need a new dog catcher ? Maybe less costly one ?

#8 MC Taxpayer on 04/11/09 at 10:19 AM [Reply]

Time for new dog catcher department or change there ?

#9 MC taxpayer on 04/12/09 at 01:37 PM [Reply]

Maybe MC needs to get help from other counties on how to prevent this kind of theft in the future. It is apparent that whatever means they have been using is not working. How much more money will we lose before they ask for help?

Dog Catcher??? We have one of thoes here? My last conversation with that department left me the taxpayer trapping the dogs and delivering them to the humane society because there was no telling when the Dog Catcher could get out here! We need to find one that is not afraid of DOGS!!

#10 Comer Resident on 04/12/09 at 09:55 PM [Reply]

How in the world did we go from talking about stealing money to needing a new dog catcher?If your having that much trouble with stray dogs invest in a gun and get rid of the problem yourself.Everyone wants to complain about how the animal control doesn't do a good job and there's not enough people working in the department but when money needs to be cut they take it away from animal control.If you want more done,Give them more money to hire more people and train the people more.

#10.1 Learner on 04/13/09 at 05:19 PM [Reply]

For those living next to roadways and/or adjacent houses it is not legal to be shooting weapons. I am not allowed or equipped to deal with sick or severely injured animals, therefore I want Animal Control to do so.

#10.1.1 Anonymous on 04/13/09 at 09:30 PM [Reply]

Wrong. It is legal to kill an animal chasing livestock or threatening / attacking your family / property no matter where you live. Know the facts before you go quoting the law.

#10.1.1.1 Learner on 04/16/09 at 08:31 PM [Reply]

I think you will find that shooting next to Danielsville road is not legal...thank you for your understanding. And as far as shooting an animal in a subdivision, it may not be illegal...but should be!

#11 MC Taxpayer 2 on 04/13/09 at 08:07 AM [Reply]

How much does the dog catcher make ? OK I call last week and no one knew ? Seems interest in that department and sorry you another Taxpayer had to trap dogs yourself. Most would not have been as generous as you.

#11.1 A.E. Newman on 04/13/09 at 02:32 PM [Reply]

#4 Let's not point fingers solely at the city of Danielsville. I should not have to remind you of the thefts that took place in the Madison Co. Board of Commissioners office and the Madison Co. Probate Court..... Seems theft is (or was) rampant in Madison Co. Government.

#11.1.1 Anonymous on 04/13/09 at 07:36 PM [Reply]

Tho sure we be quick to point our finger at people whom want involed in the theft. If fingers must be pointed ,point them to who is to blame.

#11.2 A.E. Newman on 04/13/09 at 02:35 PM [Reply]

#11.2.1 Sardonic Veracity on 04/15/09 at 01:17 PM [Reply]

That was a different thief. This one was the Dinkyville City Clerk.

I liked your magazine when I was younger, btw. It was Mad funny.

What an unflattering picture, can't the editors run another one next time?

#12 Anonymous on 04/13/09 at 11:49 AM [Reply]

Quote: "...me the taxpayer trapping the dogs and delivering them to the humane society..."

Exactly. Which only proves we don't need to be wasting any money on a dog catcher. We can do the job ourselves, like we have done for eons, and like it is supposed to be. Some of you people think you need to call the govt. every time you need your butt wiped. That's why our taxes are through the roof and going up.

#13 Anonymous on 04/13/09 at 04:28 PM [Reply]

Wow, there is absolutely no way whatsoever that this was going on for so many years without anyone else knowing about it. I have worked in retail for over 10 years and every single night and sometimes twice a day we count down our registers. We have to fill out reports if we are over or short even 10 cents. I'm not falling for the story that it took 5 years to catch someone stealing $200k. Someone dropped the ball here or either Madison County's business model is way off.

#13.1 anon on 04/17/09 at 09:01 PM [Reply]

The theft in Madison Co.government by Spence was under the supervision of Wesley Nash & Morris Fortson whom I feel did a poor job of overseeing this situation.They are gone now, thank you,Lord & a new acting clerk & Chairman are in place.Seems this lady has experience in some sort of banking (I heard) & has implemented banking procedures for deposits, cash, accountability, etc. & check & balances.Hopefully, this will work & our tax money will be safe. Give it time & I'm sure things will stay on the up & up.I have faith in our new Chairman & the decisions he is making.He is holding people accountable & doing his best to replace those who are not...the BOA. He has my utmost support & all citizens should give their support also.

#14 Comer Resident on 04/13/09 at 08:30 PM [Reply]

What is all you peoples problem with the dog catcher? Your parents not let you have a dog as a kid? If it's not legal for you to fire a weapon where you live. You ever hear of a Bow and Arrow or Decon?No you say you don't want the dog killed but if they come get it and kill it later then you can sleep at night.I'm not heartless I have had animals all my life Everything from Horses,cows,dogs,cats,and had to shoot a bunch of them and even had some pigs that we killed for food. So before you start fussing about how they ain't doing their jobs you should help them get more money to do their jobs. And PLEASE SHUT UP until they get more money then don't do their job.

#14.1 Anonymous on 04/14/09 at 01:33 PM [Reply]

I won't speak for "all you people", just for myself. The animal control issue isn't just funding. Jack Huff was given everything he asked for for this dept. From trucks, equipment, more staffing & computers, training & yes a budget. He has yet to make it work. So, money is not not the biggest problem in this dept. There have been many instances of the animal control officers not answering calls, being ineffective when they have showed up, sheriff's deputies (w/ no animal equipment) still attending to animal calls, etc. At a recent BOC meeting Jack Huff asked to virtually abolish the dept. since they don't have time for code enforcement. Code rules were not enforced before animal control came about. Code violations are everywhere you look. Clean up the trash already.
Two departments that have failed to succeed, both run by the same person. Hmmmm, I say budget cuts.

#14.1.1 sick_of_paying_for_idiots_feuds on 04/14/09 at 03:08 PM [Reply]

Pretty sure Mr. Huff didn't ask for this animal control business. It was just hoisted upon him - so don't blame Mr. Huff for already having one job and then getting another job piled on him.

Let's get rid of this animal control nonsense once and for all. Mr. Huff can go back to doing code enforcement, which is much more important and has suffered at the hands of nasty neighbors and drama queens creating problems where none existed and constantly calling animal control. It's the same people over and over just using animal control as ammo in their petty "neighbor vs. neighbor" feuds. And we the taxpayers are paying the price and Mr. Huff is paying the price in not being able to do code enforcement because he has to spend so much time babysitting the idiots calling animal control DAILY!

#14.1.1.1 Anonymous on 04/15/09 at 06:49 AM [Reply]

I have no idea who these idiots are you are talking about and I do not care. The comment I made on this issue was not intended to bring out all this anger. I was NOT attacking anyone.
When I called Animal Control it was the FIRST and only time and there was no problem with a neighbor or a drama queen.
I have in the past taken in strays that have been dropped off here. I have spent a fortune getting them shots,and treated for manage and worms. I have also had every one of them spayed or neutered.Unfortunately my budget has been cut so I can not afford another animal.
If people were more responsible with their pets in the first place, we would not be having this discussion.

#14.1.2 Anonymous on 04/15/09 at 06:51 AM [Reply]

Thank you! Well said.

#14.1.3 Not a Jack Huff Fan on 04/16/09 at 08:22 AM [Reply]

I agree, Jack has been given everything he has asked for
and still can't handle the job! Perhaps less "pleasure
riding" and more focus on actually working would make
a difference. Sounds since he's asked to do away with
animal control, he can't handle the dept. perhaps that job
needs to be advertised and given to a more motivated
person that is not a yes, man.

#15 Tax Payer MC with question on 04/14/09 at 01:10 PM [Reply]

Seems that maybe all MC employee salaries be posted. It is our taxes that pay their salary. Seems now on bow and arrows over dogs. Maybe if dog catcher paid only $20,000 year that maybe someone with this skill be paid say $26,000 year. So what does MC presently pay for dog person catcher ?

#15.1 Anonymous on 04/15/09 at 06:55 AM [Reply]

There are so many unemployed people out there that would gladly take a job that pays $20,000 a year just to take care of his/her family. If the animal control officer wants out of the job, advertise it and get someone that wants it.

#16 Anonymous on 04/14/09 at 06:13 PM [Reply]

Last I remember reading, it was something like $17+ per hour. Unreasonable for the lack of services/experience. Call Donna Sisk at the county Human Resources office. All wages for county employees ARE public record. If more MC taxpayers took a look at how money is spent, they'd be shocked at the comparison of emergency service wages to secretaries & lawn maintenance.

#16.1 Anonymous on 04/15/09 at 01:48 PM [Reply]

Like I said, there are people out here that would be so happy to have a job paying like that just to be able to survive.
Imagine if the energy that is being put into this issue was used to get people employed and off welfare! Opps thats another sore spot.

#17 Code Officer ? on 04/15/09 at 08:37 AM [Reply]

If code officer can not run animal control with requested funds and all how can he or she run or be viewed as able to do code issues ? Any issues of code issues with that department ?

#17.1 Anonymous on 04/15/09 at 01:55 PM [Reply]

And what is the salary for that position?

#17.2 wake up on 04/16/09 at 08:58 AM [Reply]

Everyone needs to wake up and see that Jack
can't handle the pressure in either area,
he needs to be replaced with someone that can
be counted on for the county, not just waste
tax-payers money hanging around in the office
and/or court house avoiding his phone calls
and responsibilities. Time to retire Jack!

#18 Comer Resident on 04/15/09 at 11:20 PM [Reply]

No I don't think Jack ask for this job to be dumped in his lap and they won't advertise it because They probably are not paying him any more? That would cost Madison County more money and why create another job when you can just give it to someone who's already employed with the County.And if they did create a new position for animal control some of you people would fuss because they are spending money.

#18.1 Anonymous on 04/16/09 at 03:28 PM [Reply]

There will always be people who disagree, that is just life. I do not think you would hear many commplaints if the person was doing the job properly.

#18.2 Anonymous on 04/16/09 at 04:09 PM [Reply]

Please do your research before posting such a strong opinion about something!
Jack Huff has not been doing a thing for free. Since he took the animal control position, more of your tax dollars have been used to PAY him for that job. The county also spent a pretty penny to put him thru school for his P.O.S.T certification. This gives him arrest power in GA just like law enforcement has. FOR WHAT? A BADGE AND A GUN!! Not to repeat everything else that he "required" for the dept.
As for his code enforcement...Drive around your "Comer Resident" neighborhood or any main road in the county and the violations will slap you. I like to live in a community that takes pride in itself and is inviting to people that come to MC for whatever reason. I'm not only talking about private residences but businesses as well. For instance, among many other stores, the thrift store that recently opened on Hwy. 29 & Glen Carrie might sell great things but it's a shame that the mess outside is what greets people coming to MC. So, before you feel bad for Mr. Huff and him being over worked and under paid, take a look at how he's earning your tax dollars.

#18.2.1 Anonymous on 04/16/09 at 05:11 PM [Reply]

I think that was the point. Get rid of the animal control babysitting service and Mr. Huff can get back to spending time on Code Enforcement.

#18.2.1.1 Not a Jack Huff Fan on 04/17/09 at 01:02 PM [Reply]

Who will then babysit Jack? Oh, yeah Dove and Pethel
could qualify for this much.

#18.2.1.1.1 time for the truth on 04/18/09 at 07:53 PM [Reply]

I wonder if Jack is certified as a animal control officer?
If not, how is he doing dog calls? or since his secretary
was noticed at the shelter last week dropping off dogs
maybe she holds a certification, hum.... I was told
that she was only part time which is 20 hours with not
any benefits, does that cover her under county liabilty if
she gets hurt? Seems you had it right when you asked
are they any code issues in the code enforcement/animal
control dept. This should be interesting topic to discuss
at your next BOC meeting on Wednesday, I will be sure to
bring it up and see how everyone responds to this question.
Maybe since Pethel has so much interest in that dept and
seems to know so much, he shuld apply in that dept, he
and Jack Huff can ride around and drink coffee.
It appears that each BOC has their own set uf ordiences.

#18.2.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 04/19/09 at 01:38 PM [Reply]

Well Said and I agree with you. Please let us know the answer. I can not be at the meeting because of work but I sure wish I could go. I have a feeling this issue will have more importance as long as people keep talking about it.

#18.2.1.1.1.2 responder on 04/20/09 at 09:48 AM [Reply]

With this being said, if Jack Huff is not certified
then how legal are the tickets that have been written?

I would recommend if you have gotten a ticket lately
to dispute this and ask someone to explain why you have
to pay for a ticket from a non-certified person. A
badge does not give you the certification unless
you have been trained and have "earned" that right to be
a certified animal control officer.

Anthony Dove - care to answer this one? Maybe I'll ask
at BOC meeting this week and see how many people wonder
the same thing?

#18.2.1.1.1.2.1 Anonymous on 04/20/09 at 10:28 AM [Reply]

#18.2 writes -- The county also spent a pretty penny to put him thru school for his P.O.S.T certification. This gives him arrest power in GA just like law enforcement has. FOR WHAT? A BADGE AND A GUN!! -- If he has arrest power then he can write a legal ticket.
The point was, it was a waste of money since he barely does his job to begin with.

#18.2.1.1.1.2.1.1 Anonymous on 04/20/09 at 03:03 PM [Reply]

And a good point at that.

#18.2.1.1.1.3 Anonymous on 05/06/09 at 12:49 PM [Reply]

Was this ever answered? We deserve to know.

#18.2.1.1.1.3.1 Anonymous on 05/07/09 at 04:17 PM [Reply]

was what ever answered.

#19 Anonymous on 04/18/09 at 08:54 AM [Reply]

We know he was not doing anything for animal control so he should have had plenty of time for Code Enforcement.Comment 18.2 had it right.
How about the over sized yard sale further north on 29? That place has been there for a long time and it is still a mess.Do these businessess have to have a license of some kind to operate?
Maybe if we took a photo of these places and put them in the newspaper on the front page, someone would wake up.

#19.1 Anonymous on 04/19/09 at 12:13 PM [Reply]

Yard sales are legal. Nothing to "enforce" there. Get a life.

#19.1.1 Junk yard business on 04/20/09 at 09:39 AM [Reply]

I would think that this would be a zoning issue with
all the used tires piled up there. sounds like a business
to me if it is on-going. Maybe even a safety issue, when
Jack Huff "gets around to it" perhaps he needs to look
into this. If this yard sale was next to you'd would you
feel the same? maybe it is you that needs to get a life!

#19.1.2 Anonymous on 04/20/09 at 02:58 PM [Reply]

This business at one point was calling itself a flea market, then it became a yard sale. This problem was there before the one down by CVS.

I dont care if individuals have yard sales, they are usually organized and clean. When they are done with the sale the left overs are put away not left in the front yard.

You must not be a property owner so you are not paying the salary of the Code Enforcer and if you are a homeowner and think this problem should be let go on, then it is YOU that needs to get a life because you are throwing your money away everytime Mr. Huff collects a paycheck for doing NOTHING!

Thank you and have a pleasant day

#20 Anonymous on 04/30/09 at 03:51 PM [Reply]

Where is the schools 2.5million?(and growning!)
How does a conuty school system get to be 3.12million short?

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Alleged thefts totaled nearly 200K

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