Former Circuit Clerk Accepts Guilty Plea to Falsifying Records & Misuse of Office – Update
February 15th, 2013 by Joe Burgess
Former Drew County Circuit Clerk Pat Scifres Savage Montgomery accepted a guilty plea on two of the three charges she was accused of, in Drew County Circuit Court, this morning by a special appointed judge, Judge John Langston of Little Rock.
The theft of property allegation was dropped, and Montgomery pled guilty to falsifying business records and misuse of office. She was given a one year suspended imposition of sentence and must pay restitution, as well as audit expenses (which will be determined later.)
Montgomery took a leave of absence, last September and eventually had her elected position declared vacant by the Quorum Court in January.
Savage was accused of theft of property, falsifying business records, and abuse of office, after a state legislative audit reportedly found discrepancies in her office’s record keeping. Deputy clerk, Sandy Erlanson, was appointed Circuit Clerk, when the new elected officers were sworn in at the beginning of the year.
Prosecutor Thpmas Dren told the court she allegedly substituted unreceipted filing fee checks for cash and then took the cash. Up to $18,000 may be involved, minus actual expenses used for office operations.
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Pat Savage Montgomery post the following note to MLive readers as a comment on the above story:
I apologize to the citizens of Drew County and my husband, family, and friends. I made judgment errors and I have taken responsibility. I am proud of the past eight years that I ran the circuit clerks office and the money that we saved the county. I need to move forward with my life and so does the office. I appreciate everyone that has aided me in this situation and it was an honor to be the circuit clerk for Drew County. I love this county and its people. It was a pleasure to work with the individuals that I worked with. I ask for prayers as I continue my road in life.
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I apologize to the citizens of Drew County and my husband, family, and friends. I made judgment errors and I have taken responsibility. I am proud of the past eight years that I ran the circuit clerks office and the money that we saved the county. I need to move forward with my life and so does the office. I appreciate everyone that has aided me in this situation and it was an honor to be the circuit clerk for Drew County. I love this county and its people. It was a pleasure to work with the individuals that I worked with. I ask for prayers as I continue my road in life.
Wow! That case got looked at QUICK!!
We all make mistakes. You have accepted responsibility for those mistakes …that’s the hardest part yet the most important.
I wish you well, Pat. You are an incredibly strong woman.
This too shall pass. Keep your head up and look forward.
Sincerely,
Karla Harper
I have been praying for you, and I will continue to Pray for you, Pat. God will see you through. :)
Mrs. Pat I have kept in in my prayers and close to my heart .No one on this earth is faultless!Keep your head up in walk in the peace of the Lord!!GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!
How she can say “she was saving the county money” when she was stealing it?
@me just think what she would have saved if she wasn’t stealing it.
Your logic is amazing Brad wow…