During an audit of Bethel’s finances by the state auditor’s office, a discrepancy in the mayor’s court account was discovered and subsequently Laurie Taylor, who was responsible for the account, was charged with two counts of theft in office.

On Aug. 5, Taylor pleaded guilty to the charges in Clermont County Common Pleas Court.

She allegedly defrauded the Village of Bethel out of more than $13,000 after taking over the duties as clerk of Mayor’s Court. Taylor had worked as the police clerk for the village for eight years and took on the additional duties in 2007 when the former clerk retired.

Taylor was indicted by the grand jury on June 24 and posted an $25,000 OR bond while awaiting her hearing.

A sentencing date of Wednesday, Sept. 16, has been set for Judge Haddad’s court room.