Sanders turns himself in to authorities

The former treasurer of the Reelsville Water Authority turned himself in and pleaded guilty to charges of theft on Monday.

Larry Wayne Sanders, 61, now living in Richmond Hill, Ga., was charged with a Class D felony for allegedly stealing $29,400.25 from the water authority while acting as its treasurer from Jan. 1, 2003 to July 19, 2005. Under a Class D felony, Sanders could face up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Sanders allegedly made out 22 checks to different payees on the Water Authority's check register and general ledger. These payees included, Utility Supply Company, Common Wealth Engineering, and EJP, Inc. Sanders also allegedly wrote a check that listed himself as the payee.

Sanders endorsed and cashed all 23 checks. None of these checks were authorized by the Water Authority board.

Sanders also allegedly made unauthorized purchases with the Water Authority's credit card and reimbursed himself for travel expenses.

According to Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter, Sanders has never given a good answer to why he cashed the checks. "His theory was once I got caught I paid it back," said Bookwalter.

Because Sanders pleaded guilty to the charges, he has waived his right to an attorney and to a speedy, public trial.

Sanders was taken to the Putnam County Jail by Indiana State Police Sgt. Scott Stockton for processing. Bond had been set at $5,000, with 10 percent bond allowance. Sanders bonded out of jail Monday afternoon, after posting a $500 cash bond.

Sanders is being allowed to return to his home in Georgia and he will later return to Putnam County for his trial.

Superior Court Judge Robert Lowe has set a sentencing hearing for Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 8:30 a.m.