WICHITA, Kan. (AP) The former public works director in Kansas’ Barber County has admitted stealing from the county.
Forty-nine-year-old Steven Collier, of Nashville, Kan., pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to two counts of theft from a program receiving federal funds. He agreed to make restitution of $116,310. In return, the government agreed to drop nine counts.
Sentencing is set for May 30.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger says prosecutors plan to ask the court to dismiss the indictment against Collier’s wife, Diana, of Medicine Lodge.
Steven Collier admitted forging an invoice for the purchase of steel beams and using the money instead to buy a bulldozer for his own use. He later sold the bulldozer and kept the proceeds.
He also admitted selling a county-owned tractor for $20,000 and keeping the money.