Investigation discovered missing funds after former Mesa treasurer left the city

PASCO, Wash. – The former Mesa treasurer accused of stealing city funds appeared in a Franklin County courtroom Thursday.

Charmain Halverson, 50, is charged with theft, injury to public record, misappropriation and official misconduct.

According to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, detectives spent six months working on the investigation. Sergeant Steve Warren said evidence of the missing money came to light after Halverson left the city.

"After she departed, they had a change of employment. The new employee there discovered missing money. While at the time we didn't know the extent of that missing funds, but the detectives assigned were able to uncover exactly where those funds were missing from and how they disappeared from the departments," Sergeant Warren said.

At the hearing on Thursday, the judge agreed that Halverson could be released on bail.

If someone has any information on this case contact they can contact Detective Dodson at the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at (509)545-3501 or jdodson@franklincountywa.gov.