Former Zeigler treasurer accused of fraud was scheduled to plead guilty today, instead he asked for more time

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BENTON — According to documents, Ryan Thorpe, the former treasurer of Zeigler who is accused of wire fraud and embezzlement after allegedly stealing money from the city, was scheduled to enter a plea of guilty Thursday in federal court, but instead the court kicked the can down the road to March 1.

Defense attorney Randy Patchett said the reason for his motion for continuance was simple — his client needed more time to understand the charges against him.

Thorpe was indicted by a federal grand jury in October on three counts of wire fraud and two counts of embezzlement from a local government. An audit done after federal agents raided city hall revealed that the city was missing $315,000. The charging documents allege that Thorpe took the money between March 4, 2013, and Aug. 3, 2017.

Please click on the link for the full story from Isaac Smith of the Southern Illinoisan.

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-zeigler-treasurer-accused-of-fraud-was-scheduled-to-plead/article_37f2af50-69d0-54cf-a40f-3c28cc9c1b85.html#tracking-source=home-breaking