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Milton: I paid for stamps; auditor's testimony differs
By Edith Brady-Lunny
eblunny@pantagraph.com
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BLOOMINGTON — McLean County Clerk Peggy Ann Milton denied using county stamps to mail letters on behalf of a charity and denied asking an employee to leave work early to take her children home.

Milton was on the witness stand for about an hour Thursday as the final defense witness in her trial on felony theft and official misconduct charges.

Milton’s voice broke as she explained why she used her own money to buy stamps for fundraising activities for the American Diabetes Association.

“My mom died of diabetes. I thought anything I gave myself, more would go towards finding a cure. It was my contribution to the American Diabetes Association,” said Milton.

During her testimony, the defense introduced a canceled check into evidence written by Milton for $375 in 2002 for more than 1,000 stamps. She said she thought some of those stamps were used for fundraising letters mailed in fall 2005.

McLean County Auditor Jackie Dozier testified Thursday that Milton told her she did not believe it was wrong to use county money for charitable work.

“She said, ‘It sounds crazy, but I did the things they said I did, like the stamps,’” Dozier said Milton told her last year during an investigation into Milton’s alleged theft of county stamps.

Milton is charged with theft and official misconduct and is on trial in McLean County Circuit Court. She’s accused of using county postage stamps for non-county work, and with asking an employee to drive her son home.

Dozier, wife of retired county Judge Ron Dozier, testified that she told Milton to establish a ledger to track the use of stamps in the county clerk’s office. Dozier had concerns about the large number of stamps purchased by Milton’s office and advised her to record stamp usage.

Dozier also told the jury she disagreed with an opinion County Administrator John Zeunik gave to Milton regarding using county money to pay Kiwanis Club dues.

“I had to set Mr. Zeunik straight. I knew it (dues) was not an allowable business expense,” said Dozier.

The auditor said Milton commented to her that the county’s practice of paying the dues represented a trend toward supporting organizations with taxpayer money.

In his testimony Thursday, Zeunik said Milton’s dues for the civic organization were paid by the county prior to Dozier’s election as auditor. He said he views participation in the Kiwanis Club as a networking opportunity for county and business leaders.

Also testifying Thursday was Milton’s son, Justin, 22, who said he did not recall assisting his mother with work for the American Diabetes Association during his time as a clerk in Milton’s office.

He also said former employee Betzy Cowan of Heyworth did not provide him with rides from Bloomington to his Heyworth home in 2005.

Milton testified Thursday that Cowan often worked late and took Milton’s children home with her on several occasions. She denied that Cowan was told to leave work early.

Both Peggy Ann Milton and Cowan live in Heyworth.

Chief Deputy Clerk Maria Pascua testified that the office buys stamps on a regular basis to handle mailings that must go out on a timely basis. She said an employee of the office was asked to track the stamp purchases but stopped doing so after about a year.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Friday.

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Reader comments on this story - 112 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

To: Reprimand wrote on Aug 24, 2007 8:54 PM:

" Thank you for the sensible comment. You are correct. Elected people answer to no one but the public and the courts. We need to stop electing people because of name recognition and learn who they really are and what they really know and intend to accomplish. Any elected person should be more concerned with doing the ENTIRE statutory job they are elected to and NOT begin campaigning the week after they are elected. But, in order to do that we need choices. There are so many qualified people in this county. Let's step up to the plate and give the voter's a choice. I'd do it if I was a bit younger. There should be at least one candidate from each political party for every race. I've been told that you don't have to vote every race for a ballot to be counted. This gives us a way to voice our opinion if we are unhappy with the incumbant and that is the only name on the ballot. Come on McLean County - give us some choices!! "

To: craziness wrote on Aug 22, 2007 8:53 AM:

" Did you read the article above? It says "During her testimony, the defense introduced a canceled check into evidence written by Milton for $375 in 2002 for more than 1,000 stamps. She said she thought some of those stamps were used for fundraising letters mailed in fall 2005." Doesn't that say she bought the stamps in 2002 with the cancelled check placed into evidence. Check your notes again. "

Craziness wrote on Aug 22, 2007 5:56 AM:

" During the trial I never once heard anyone say the stamps were bought three years ahead of time for use three years later. I took notes during the trial, checked them just to be sure, and Milton said "I don't know which stamps were used - either diabetes or my personal stamps. I do know I had some stamps left from the ones I bought in late 2002 so it could have been them. Either way it was either diabetes stamps or my personal stamps, not county stamps." She never said that she bought stamps in 2002 because she knew she'd have the fundraiser in 2005. Get a life. "

To: Loser's should pay wrote on Aug 21, 2007 1:55 PM:

" It would be great if these things could be handled in front of the county board. The sad thing is there is no way to remove an elected official except by conviction of a crime, resignation or losing an election. I think Bill Brady's thinking (WJBC interview today) is correct. Legislation should be passed to allow for the recall of any elected official who is elected to a four year term. Now everyone needs to get on with their everyday lives and get past this. Those involved have lives they need to get back to. "

To: stamp price not odd to me wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:13 AM:

" The diabetes association didn't say how many stamps they gave her. Also, those stamps she USED in 2005 were paid for with a cancelled check from 2002? Doesn't make sense to me. How many of you purchase stamps 3 years before you plan to use them? "

Stamp Counter wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:19 PM:

" DUh, she could use one of the old stamps and then just add an extra couple pennies stamps to get up to the correct amount. No stamp increases have been more than a few cents. Basically, she bought 10 rolls of 100 stamps. I mean a lot of people do that. That's why they make them in rolls of 100 and mass produce those so that people can, from time to time, if they will, actually BUY 10 ROLLS. What's so odd about that? You people over think things. "

To enough already AGAIN wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:42 AM:

" No one in their right mind would purchase 1000 stamps to be used for the next several years. There have been too many cost increases for stamps to make it worthwhile. No time saver when you have to continually go back to the post office to buy more stamps to make the original purchase the correct amount. I don't believe she would use two $.32 stamps to mail an envelope requiring $.37. Think about it. "

Enough Already AGAIN wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:06 AM:

" Milton purchased 1000 stamps for her personal use in 2002. She bought them "in bulk" so she wouldn't run out of stamps for her bills, Christmas cards, etc. She kept some of them at home, some at work. Those stamps lasted her a long time. She believed that she used stamps from this cache to mail out the Diabetes campaign. When you add up the stamps the office ordered before the Diabetes campaign, and look at the stamps left over after the Diabetes campaign, there were NO STAMPS MISSING from the count. If PA had used County stamps, there would have been a "hole" in the stamps count, right? There was no "hole" in the stamps. And this is what convinced this jury that she did not use County stamps for that fundraising campaign. She is a person who chases after details and thinks way ahead. There is nothing out of character for her to buy 1000 stamps at a time for her personal use for a longer period of time than you or I might do. The Jury believed this was the Truth and said so. Four times. Not guilty...not guilty.... "

stamp price not odd to me wrote on Aug 19, 2007 5:23 AM:

" if you had been at the trial, you would have realized that the american diabetes association testified they gave milton stamps, letterhead, envelopes many times over the years since milton began fundraising a few years back. no one said the 1000 stamps she personally purchased were for sure used in 2005 but that it could have been the stamps provided by the diabetes association. why is it that everyone thinks they know everything? the important thing at this point is that she was found not guilty. renewed faith in the system. "

To: To Enough All Ready wrote on Aug 19, 2007 4:16 AM:

" Get real. How did she know in 2002 that she was going to need 1,000 stamps in 2005? She said that she THOUGHT that SOME of those stamps were used for fundraising letters mailed in fall of 2005. You stated that the average person couldn't keep track of them (stamps) that long. Evidentally she couldn't either. About the sticky notes - how do you know when a sticky note was written? "

To Enough All Ready wrote on Aug 18, 2007 5:03 PM:

" What you don't realize is that Peggy Ann Milton is EXACTLY the kind of person who would buy 1000 stamps ahead of time! The average person doesn't think that far ahead and wouldn't be able to keep track of them that long. She does! But then she is not *average* by a long shot. This is a woman who, after 2 years, was able to go back through stuff and find the original STICKY NOTES that she kept off of old office memos and which contributed to her defense and acquittal! God had an archetype in mind for County Clerks for this world, and Peggy Ann is it! McLean County's lucky we've got her! "

O my wrote on Aug 18, 2007 12:32 PM:

" Mrs. Milton should be glad she does not work in the Village of Mclean. We got a bunch of cry baby employees who whine about most thinges, do very little work,get paid overtime for nothing,bad mouth all elected board members & love to make up stories about tax payers.Wanta trade? "

Loser should pay wrote on Aug 18, 2007 7:36 AM:

" I think that the loser in a frivolous suit should be required to reimburse the county for all expenses. This should have been handled in an executive session of the county board with the accusers facing the clerk. Trivial pursuits such as this one would be better served in going after real crooks such as the Governor of Illinois! "

To Enough already wrote on Aug 18, 2007 3:40 AM:

" How many people buy stamps in 2002 to use in 2005? "I'm going to need 1000 stamps three years from now I better run right down to the post office and get them today." "

To: Waste wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:47 PM:

" Good observation. The grand jury generally blindly follows the prosecution's recommendation. The trial jury hears both sides of it. "

To: If it's true, it's theft wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:45 PM:

" The jury, who did have all the facts, agreed with the "legal eagles." We have to assume the prosecution made the jury aware of any incriminating facts against Mrs. Milton. "

Me wrote on Aug 17, 2007 4:53 PM:

" The only thing that would make this whole ridiculous mess worse, would be if the trial was held at the Judy Mahal colisseum. As in Taj Mahal that is. How ridiculous is this whole thing. Oops, I found a State Farm pen at home the other day, suppose I better turn it in or I'll be faced with a trial or something worse, like having to work there longer. "

waste wrote on Aug 17, 2007 4:04 PM:

" I can not the waste of taxpayers money on this worthless case. A grand Jury can be led to decision but a regular jury has available both sides to act on justice. "

To "Poo PA" wrote on Aug 17, 2007 1:39 PM:

" It would have been a different story if the grand jury could have received all of the facts instead of a one sided version of the story. Why don't you read and find out what the grand jury was presented with to make a decision? That is one policy that needs to be changed!! And you might as well accept the fact that 95% of the people believe in PA and not you!! "

what I don't get wrote on Aug 17, 2007 1:24 PM:

" is how fast this went to trial when you have a cop getting paid sitting in jail and has yet to be tried. I am sick of our tax payer dollars going to someone like that! "

Guilty or not wrote on Aug 17, 2007 1:21 PM:

" It's time to end this, how much is this costing? I think the point has been made. The rules will tighten up, a new memo or many memo's will be issued and hopefully no one else will be making any further errors in judgement. BUT this could have been resolved internally with little fanfare, now it's cost taxpayers for a trial. The problem here is at what cost? The county has plenty of money but what of Ms. Milton to defend herself, this will cost her up to $30,000 in legal fees by the time it's over. Is it right to slam someone's face into the dirt when a training session could have been just as good? "

If it's true, it's theft wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:23 AM:

" Attorneys for the state seem to think they have a case or they wouldn't be pursuing it, but obviously the Pantagraph readers have a better grasp of law and more information than they do. Did it ever dawn on you legal eagles that maybe you don't have all the facts? I'm also surprised to see so many people justify theft. Sure, it was just stamps, but if it was a 1000 stamps that's several hundred dollars. Try walking out of your place of employment with a monitor. You'll be fired and they may press charges. "

Heyworth resident wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:01 AM:

" It says that Justin - age 22 - testified that Ms Cowan did not give him a ride home when this all happended back in 2005. Do the math - Justin was 20 years old - he didn't need someone to give him a ride home. According to previous articles written about this, Ms Cowan gave Mrs Milton's daughter a ride home who is not 16 yet. Further more, I believe that Ms Cowan was also taking her own children home after school. Were the other Milton children questioned on who took them home after school??? "

Jimmy the Greek wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:48 AM:

" Have any of the county employees ever used the copy machine for personal reasons? How about the county vehicles? Had a county employee plow the snow from their driveway? Picked up groceries or ran errands on county time? Left work early? Used any county equipment at there homes? Made a personal phone call on a county phone? Used the fax machine for personal business? Ask a co-worker to pickup something for them while out on county business? Used an envelope to mail something personal? Played a computer game on their county computer? E-mailed friends on the clock? Showed up late for work? Every single one of these and many more are mis-appropriatin of tax payers money. "

Stamp price wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:46 AM:

" The price of a stamp in 2002 was .37 cents. $375 would buy 1013 first class stamps. I would think by 2005, 1013 stamps would have been well exhausted when working with any kind of charity. Not saying she is guilty or innocent, just stating some facts. "

Enough already! wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:11 AM:

" Okay, let's see...Gee.. a cancelled check for the stamps....from HER OWN ACCOUNT.....and that is an issue HOW? All you holier than thou types who wanted to drag her through all of this....have all your little petty minds been satisfied yet? All your finger pointing and guilty till proven innocent attitudes appeased? Had the board just called this woman in and she been allowed to present her CANCELLED CHECK would we be wasting the money and time of our court system for THIS??? "

Nutty wrote on Aug 17, 2007 9:08 AM:

" This whole thing if nutty if you ask me! It's not about stamps or driving your kid home...it's about a nutty ex-employee with a need to hurt people they think didn't give them what they needed or wanted. A dog that bites the hand that feeds it is a nutty dog. Nutty. "

How much sharper than a serpent's tooth wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:54 AM:

" How much sharper than a serpent's tooth is a malicious ex-employee. Even if Mrs. Milton is acquitted, which I fully expect her to be, there will be a bruise on her reputation and good name that will never be fully erased. It's a shame because until now there has never been a blemish on image. "

A crime is a crime wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:50 AM:

" Things 10 times worse then this has went on in Wapella for the past few years, our former clerk lied and covered up to protect herself and an employee. When it was brought to the surface, NOTHING!!. The board said it would not happen agin and she only lied a few time. That's like saying I only ran 10 stop light or only was goin 30 miles over the speed limit and I promise not to do it ever again. Our State's attorney would not touch this because our former clerk worked in the county builing. I'm not sure our new clerk is any better sine the past clerk is still doing the work. "

Mr. Rand wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:47 AM:

" To Mr. Rand: Have you ever stolen anything? If so, you have a colossal amount of audacity trying Mrs. Milton. Let him who has not sinned...... "

To Disgusted: wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:45 AM:

" Well put. I think any public official who has stolen stamps, or anything else, should be dragged before a jury. Why is Milton being singled out? I dare say if that happens prisons are going to need a lot more space and public offices are going to be virtually empty. "

? wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:45 AM:

" Blogo $600 for a one time make up job. $6000 per trip for transportation to where HE SHOULD BE LIVING.Melton $400 for stamps for charity. You be the judge. "

question wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:37 AM:

" How many people who are on here replying and reading this article are on the company clock? Nail em all for stealing! Seems not to count when you're doing it. I'm at home on my time so I'm legit. "

J O wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:26 AM:

" If you haven't noticed, this is so typical of the new American police-state: allowing the criminals at the highest ranks of our government to break/violate any law, treaty, or convention without accountability or punishment, while spending countless hours over-prosecuting the two-bit thieves and marijuana smokers. This is, just as total control of the media, a trademark of fascism. And fascism is like addiction: it only grows worse and worse until some anti-climatic low-point occurs. The government steps up the tyranny over individuals in a transparent attempt to keep the focus off of its own high crimes--i.e., unjustified wars without end, eviscerating liberties while boasting how America spreads freedoms--and fool the public into believing that old American fable that claims that no one, regardless of finances or fame, gets away with a criminal act. "

TO: All of You wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:13 AM:

" I applaud those of you who understand that this is an elected official no boss other than the public "us". It is just not as simple as all of our jobs in the private sector. I condemn those of you who call it nothing or a waste. Misappropriation of funds no matter how small is okay? What is wrong with you people?!!! Maybe we should just start prioritizing the "little" crimes done in society and only prosecute those over a certain dollar amount. Are you all so concerned with your pocket books that you are willing to throw JUSTICE out the window. You cannot make exceptions to laws! Criminals would try to see what they can get away with and we would have anarchy. Investigators and the Grand Jury felt their was enough evidence to warrant this trial, so why not see if there really might be merit to it. If not fine but then we will ALL know that she has been judged by her peers to be innocent. If not then perhaps there is more to this than we know and she should pay for the crime. "

Poor PA wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:10 AM:

" Seems like the Pantagraph wants everyone to feel sorry for poor Peggy Ann - BS - It was the Grand Jury that indited her so they must have thought there was enought proof of wrong doing. "

Disgusted wrote on Aug 17, 2007 7:46 AM:

" If you all want to prosecute someone for misconduct, then go after our "fine" govenor! He is openly stealing from taxpayers. Who would have thought that Ryan's misconduct could have been topped? "

Laughing Bones wrote on Aug 17, 2007 7:44 AM:

" This is ridiculous! I'm a tax payer an dI don't care, your spending more money going through this. What is wrong with this county and city government? Oh wait I know...their idiots! "

What the H.E.L.L. wrote on Aug 17, 2007 7:42 AM:

" This is the stupidest thing I have ever seen! If they just wanted to get of her couldnt they have done it withOUT costing us (taxpayers) money. We let people off with REAL crimes but chose to make this one of the big stories! Get real! I agree if this was done its wrong, but surely there is a cheaper way to handle it! Sounds like someone wants to make a name for themselves hmmmm, wonder who that might be! "

nonfollower wrote on Aug 17, 2007 7:39 AM:

" I wonder if local governments realize what a joke this really is. There isn't a business/agency ANYWHERE that hasn't done something "wrong". Business phones are used to make calls not related to business, employees are sent on coffee/snack/lunch runs. If you send personal mail out with the business mail, isn't that "wrong"? As was stated before, there are a lot of people out there using company time and equipment for personal use. Should we prosecute them all? Where does it end? We have department and sporting goods stores that have employees on the clock watching the latest news/ball game and nobody thinks a thing about it. What about all the inter-company e-mails with jokes and such that float all over? We've all been guilty of theft in some form sometime in our lives. Society as a whole is totally messed up and morals and values shift on a daily basis. Someone just wants to make a point at the expense of the taxpayers and use this woman as a scapegoat. "

They Produced wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:53 AM:

" a 2002 check which supposedly bought the stamps which were used in 2005? Umm? Stamps stuck in a drawer for 3 years and I'm sure there had to be atleast one, if not two, postage rate increases in that 3 year time span. Does she have a check from 2005 showing that she bought additional stamps to cover the cost when she put this mailing together. "

Gary wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:52 AM:

" What about Rod and his helicopter fuel? "

So We Have wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:50 AM:

" an indication that county funds were being used for stamps and club dues - how many other small, insignificant personal expenses (which add up) is the county paying for? "

Yu so right wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:48 AM:

" I think this is disgusting. I pray the jury says she's not guilty because I don't think I want to have tell people I live in a town that does this kind of thing. This has to be the most shameful thing that ever happened to Bloomington Normal. Trying to lynch a good Christian woman for doing the Lord's work for other people!!! It's like somebody took a bucket of black scum and dumped it on us on the map of McLean County. God so going to punish us for persecuting his Servant, mrs Milton. "

I wanna wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:43 AM:

" I want to see the South Park rendition of this trial. Can you imagine? On the one hand I wish the rest of America would pick up on this story because it's just SO STUPID it's entertaining. On the other hand, I'm glad McLean County is invisible because this stuff is embarassing. Just my luck to be born and raised in a county that PROSECUTES people for doing charity work and soccer mom favors. I really hope Peggy Ann Milton beats this dumb rap and it's sad she had to go through it. But I am going to miss the sublime absurdity of the whole thing. If she gets convicted, we all should just hang our heads in SHAME. It would be the ultimate self-inflicted humiliation for the County. Only here do we treat people like this..... "

Stamps.... wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:29 AM:

" So she spent a few hundred dollars on stamps. In todays world thats about 3 stamps, right? "

GET IT? wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:19 AM:

" Will some of you please check your facts? Milton is NOT accused of putting the stamps in her pocket. She's accused of putting stamps on letters for a charity fundraiser that was an approved activity by the County Board and which she had a right to do under the county's rules!!! Stealing a dress at a mall is a crime. What Milton is accused of ISN'T a crime. Duh. Plus--did you read this? She bought the stamps herself! So not only is what she is accused of doing NOT a crime, but she didn't even do that crime! Milton has to be the first person in American History to be not guilty of a non-crime! Double innocent! "

Reply to Soooo wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:08 AM:

" To quote you: "What is wrong with you people?"!!! Well, I just think there are real crimes out there against the taxpaying public, above and beyond office politics...In my own instance, in the last year I have seen elected federal officials pass policy that personally reduced my pension calculation down to 1/3 what it was starting in 2008 and I am in my 50's so that doesn't give me much time to try to save the difference, seen gas prices skyrocket, watched as ineffective state policy makers do NOTHING about utility rates, yet have plenty of time to hand each other raises and try to sneak through their personal agendas, and you are wanting to know what is wrong with you people??????? Oh, and looks like I am going to be surrounded by huge windmills in the near future when the same zoning board told me last year that I couldn't have a small antique shop on my property, because the land is zoned agricultural preservation..... ....I am hoping if Peggy wins this that she files her own suit against her former jealous & disgruntled workers for malicious damages.... "

To: Better than us? wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:03 AM:

" Exactly, you would be fired....not prosecuted for felony theft! "

I just don't know~ wrote on Aug 17, 2007 3:53 AM:

" why this is even in the courts?? This is the most ridiculous trial I've ever seen other than the $54 million dollar pants!! I can't believe the state attorney even considered trying this case. This could of been handled without going this far. I agree, this is nothing more than a witch hunt. I definitely would recoup my money from the accusers in this trial. This is has pain and suffering written all over it. Why were these women keeping track of what she was doing anyway? Are they the stamp police? This is the most outlandish trial of the century!! People need to get a life! "

To why wrote on Aug 17, 2007 2:42 AM:

" There is NO job termination for an elected official except by being found guilty of a felony or by losing an election. What is wrong with you people in McLean County. Find someone to run against her. We need honest people in office. Someone who follows all the rules not just those they choose to follow. Many of us have taken things from our work place but all of us know it is wrong and we shouldn't be doing it. We need politicians who work for us and who follow the laws or work to have them changed to better the people they are supposed to be serving. "

to silly and other supporters wrote on Aug 17, 2007 2:35 AM:

" THERE IS NO WAY TO GIVE AN INTERNAL MISCONDUCT TO an elected official. Elected politicians say "I'm an elected official; you can't tell me how to run my office." Only the public can "get rid of them." I find it interesting that the son doesn't recall working on the diabetes campaign when his mother made it a point to state how important it is to her. Producing a check written in 2002 for stamps that were still available to use in 2005 - questionable. From personal knowledge - with the micro-managing in that office - why was the stamp record not kept up? Did they produce the one year they had done? There should be more control over elected officials. I think it’s time for a new county clerk. "

Soooo wrote on Aug 17, 2007 1:23 AM:

" Since it was only a few hundred dollars it's OK? I saw a new dress at the mall I wanted it was only $79 - Guess I can just take it huh!!!! It's only a little crime and all - I'm sure no one would suggest I get prosecuted right? I think not! What is wrong with you people! "

To: Hmmmmm wrote on Aug 17, 2007 1:00 AM:

" Actually, if you heard the testimony both Dozier and Milton were telling the truth! What Jackie Dozier said was, however, not a complete quote and not given in the context of the full conversation. Peggy Ann doesn't deny the quote, she just filled in the REST of the conversation. There is half or partial truth and then there is full truth. Prosecutors don't give witnesses the opportunity to FULLY explain things. They just want to introduce the damaging testimony. That's what happened to Jackie Dozier. Thankfully, in our system, the other side gets to respond and fill in the blanks, complete the picture. Things aren't black and white sometimes and that was certainly true in this trial! "

Why? wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:57 PM:

" Why has this been brought to trial? This is a job-termination offense at worst. It is an utter waste of time. If they are trying to make an example of somebody, they should at least find someone who has actually done something that could make us as taxpapers feel angry. But stamps? Please. And it doesn't even sound like there's much of a case here on the "theft" of the stamps. "

to: To duh wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:11 PM:

" ..actually your story is quite ironic. I work for the county and have a supervisor that counts everything down to the last staple used. Think I'm kidding? Apply for a job and you will see! "

Hmmmm wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:05 PM:

" Either Dozier or Milton is not telling the truth. "

While . . . wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:28 PM:

" The governor bumps another pay raise for himself (not including the 9.6% increase he just passed last week), we are trying a person for using simple postage stamps for her personal use. There is definitely something very wrong with the principles of this state. We seriously need the federal government to intervene and begin an investigation of our governmental disaster in Illinois. "

bigger and better wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:20 PM:

" So have any of these whistleblowers ever made personal long distance phone calls during work hours? Used their cell phones when it wasn't their break time? Done a little personal emailing of jokes, internet surfing or shopping on our taxpayer money? Gossipped among themselves about someone possibly stealing for "gasp" charity!!! While that lady was auditing, maybe she should have had the phone bills and each persons computer checked out for these "stealing" of taxpayer dollar incidents.... Maybe that will happen if the jury finds her guilty....It would be interesting to see how much time these people spend not actually working...I think the only thing she should be reprimanded for is not giving her people enough work to do so they weren't trying to look over her shoulder!!! "

Elected Officals Conduct wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:19 PM:

" Any elected or appointed offical should not take one penny from the taxpayers. They all take an oath of some kind to hold office and this oath should be clear and binding to them. "

Why wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:05 PM:

" was taxpayer's money being spent on dues to the Kiwanis Club. If elected officials feel the need to " network " then cough of the money themselves. Is this just the tip of the iceburg in county government expendintures ? "

DJ wrote on Aug 16, 2007 8:32 PM:

" We are in a trial over some stupid stamps? What next??? There not going to hang her, are they??? There's a lot of real serious things going on out there, and we need to be looking at those instead of stupid stamps. I think Bloomington needs a life. Its a good thing they don't still charge to go to the bathroom, petty cash would be broke. "

Amazed wrote on Aug 16, 2007 8:25 PM:

" Looks like the biggest waste of taxpayer money is trying this lady. Craziness. "

Shhhh! wrote on Aug 16, 2007 8:17 PM:

" I hope no one saw me use the fax machine at work for personal use the other day! "

T wrote on Aug 16, 2007 7:57 PM:

" What a whitch hunt dont we need these guys to go after Blago. How much has he stolen? "

Silly wrote on Aug 16, 2007 7:42 PM:

" I honestly can't believe this. Yes I understand that 1,000 stamps can add up to be quite a bit. She says she did pay for that. And yes hourly wages used to drive a kid home isn't exactly good use of our tax dollars. BUT~you know there is always one of those don't you?~ Can ANY ONE of you ridiculers say that you have not used paper from your work, sticky notes for personal use, pens, xerox copies, or any other supplies? I can't. I have numerous times. I can honestly say that even other county employees have too, because I am one of them. I think there should be an answer to using & abusing here, but it should be universal. Not just her and not just her office. Has Jackie Dozier audited other offices for excessive paper usage, postal usage, ink for the copiers? etc.. If not, then maybe that should be instituted IMMEDIATELY! This is not a FELONY charge, but like others suggested here maybe an internal misconduct... "

To Reprimand wrote on Aug 16, 2007 7:36 PM:

" OR the people could judge, and she could be voted out of office (or not). "

Dufus wrote on Aug 16, 2007 7:35 PM:

" No results found for syncophants. Did you mean sycophant's (in dictionary) or Snow Gnats "

Amber wrote on Aug 16, 2007 7:04 PM:

" Why dont we just make her pay it back like Blago had to do with the money used for makeup~! haha!! "

Amber wrote on Aug 16, 2007 6:46 PM:

" This is the stupidest thing I have ever heard! Dont we have more imp things to worry about than this crap??? get a real job losers "

Patronage Hack wrote on Aug 16, 2007 5:16 PM:

" These employees should be GRATEFUL that they have indoor desk work with paychecks that dont bounce,,,and to even think that these people serve anything but at the pleasure of the office holder is wishful thinking. Wake up Mclean County,, how do you think these syncophants got their jobs in the first place ? "

a reader wrote on Aug 16, 2007 4:45 PM:

" some stamps... a ride... should have been handled internally (punishment, reprimand), but now... lots of $$$ on court stuff... how the county has any $$$ is beyond me.... "

To duh wrote on Aug 16, 2007 4:43 PM:

" That's your real name, isn't it! I'm sure you're right. The special investigators and prosecutors are covering up the REAL story. She used too many squares of toilet paper, and they found numerous county owned ball point pens in her purse! "

To: Duh wrote on Aug 16, 2007 4:42 PM:

" I think you are absolutely right. Why else would she be the ONLY one to go to trial for misdeeds - especially when hers aren't nearly as bad some of the mid-level to top officials' misdeeds in the office? This whole trial is so hypocritical. If she is found, and it has been proven, guilty of stealing 1000 stamps, what do you think they would do to a certain official who uses county money to appease his wife's every desire? Or the official that uses the money to pay his own debts? Firing her should be enough, so why court? Even more perplexing is that they would keep the "whistle-blower" on the payroll and give her a better job when she could tattle on them whenever she wanted..........Unless they were covering up something bigger. "

Barney wrote on Aug 16, 2007 4:33 PM:

" Am I to assume that a county sheriff’s car or any other county vehicle is NEVER used for personal use? I doubt it very much. This is a big waste of tax payer’s time. She should have been asked for the $ back for the stamps and told not to use employees for personal errands. This is a joke and someone should be fired but not Ms Milton. "

Let's Make A Deal wrote on Aug 16, 2007 4:30 PM:

" How about Milton reimburses the county for the cost of the stamps used for the charity mailings, give her a pass on the ride home the county employee allegedy gave her son while on the county timeclock, and put her on probation for the remainder of her term? Then let the voters decide at the next election whether she retains her job or is booted. It's stupid this has gone this far, especially considering the more serious criminal activity that goes on in City of Chicago and Cook county governments that everyone winks at. "

To:to wow wrote on Aug 16, 2007 4:23 PM:

" Ok, if you want to get rid of her...fire her! This trial is a waste of tax payers dollars point blank! "

Reprimand? wrote on Aug 16, 2007 4:09 PM:

" I keep seeing people suggest that she be reprimanded rather than go to court. She HAS no boss other than the elections and courts. There IS no one to reprimand her. She doesn't work for anyone but us. She doesn't work for the County Board or the Republican party or some association. So if this information came to light and nobody did anything about it, wouldn't THAT be criminal? What choice is there? At what point is the line crossed where it's okay to take her to court and make her accountable vs. when she shouldn't be accountable? A few hundred in stamps? A few thousand? Think about it......... "

RESERVE wrote on Aug 16, 2007 3:55 PM:

" There are underline reasons why that this case is in court. It is a waste of people time and tax payers money. "

TO:bigger and better wrote on Aug 16, 2007 3:53 PM:

" You are so right. It's time to take this witch-hunt mentality on a tour at the state level and watch all the rats abandon ship. The current "Family" mob trial in Chicago is focused on the wrong family, our whole state is controlled by political gangsters. "

duh wrote on Aug 16, 2007 3:52 PM:

" there is def. more to this whole thing than what they are telling the public. who gets charged a felony for postage stamps and having an employee take her kid home?? i think she is getting charged with this as a cover up for something worse. "

Warren the Deputy wrote on Aug 16, 2007 3:51 PM:

" This whole story reminds me of the Andy Griffith episode when Warren, Andy's deputy, put the Mayberry Ladies Auxiliary in jail because their annual raffle was gambling. The difference is that was a sitcome fantasy. This is real life. "

Indian Joe wrote on Aug 16, 2007 3:26 PM:

" I have many time given co-workers a ride home. I have even went to their houses in the morning and picked them up to bring them to work. I have had some of them do the same for me. I called it being friends or just nice people. I hope I remember to bring the pen I took home with me yesterday back to work. I don't want to go to jail. Dumb de dumb dumb. "

To Better than us: wrote on Aug 16, 2007 3:23 PM:

" You are exactly right, which is why this shouldn't be in court. If you stole some stamps from your work, I highly doubt your employer would take you to court, and add more charges on top of that because you asked a friend at work to give your kid a ride home since she was headed that way anyways. Of course she be punished - fired even. But this should never have made it to trial. Your hypothetical didn't make it to trial, neither should her reality. "

Between The Lines wrote on Aug 16, 2007 2:56 PM:

" There is far more to this than what the public has read. Stamps and imposing upon an employee's paid time is only symptomatic of the disorganization and in-efficiencies in this office. Professional work ethic and leadership is what taxpayers pay for and what we should expect from all employees - political jobs or not! "

I dub this... wrote on Aug 16, 2007 2:51 PM:

" STAMP-GATE. It's bigger than Watergate. In fact, I dare say this is the Trial of the Century! "

bert wrote on Aug 16, 2007 2:44 PM:

" what makes this comical is the fact there is a trial.....this is Illinois, look around, this is the misuse of power in the state or county that needs to be prosecuted? I guess things are rosy all over "

bigger and better wrote on Aug 16, 2007 2:29 PM:

" If people are ignorant enough to take this to court, maybe we could take all the state politicians who are "stealing" our money by not showing up for work sessions every day, including the governor who jogs during work hours and seldom spends a full day in Springfield!! They have even taken an extra 9 or 10 percent of their wages for a raise for a job well done. "

I'm confused... wrote on Aug 16, 2007 2:25 PM:

" Am I missing something? Why does the article not state the specific instance where Milton supposedly admitted to Dozier it was wrong to use the stamps. First paragraph says one thing; second paragraph says another. Why does the 2nd paragraph not give the specific statement that Milton supposedly made? "

To Rocco wrote on Aug 16, 2007 1:44 PM:

" Yeah there might be more to it. Be careful who you decide to support, or not support, in an election. "

Observer wrote on Aug 16, 2007 1:42 PM:

" So, is it also a felony to ask an employee to get you a cup of coffee if he's going for his own? "

I'll Pay! wrote on Aug 16, 2007 1:19 PM:

" I will happily reimburse the city for the stamps, and give that lady a few bucks for gas for driving Milton's kids home. This is symptomatic of what's wrong with govt. There's no common sense. If Milton misused her authority, reprimand her. If she used stamps for charity that shouldn't have been used, make her pay it back, slap her wrist, and make her promise to not do it again. This is not worthy of felony charges or prosecution. "

This will be over today. wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:58 PM:

" Jury will vote not-guilty and ridiculous. "

Better than us? wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:51 PM:

" If I did this at my job, I would be fired. Should an elected official be held to a lesser standard? "

ride wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:46 PM:

" It is now wrong to ask a co-worker for a ride for yourself or your child? So she asked someone to give her son a ride because they live in the same small town outside of bloomington. She asked. The employee could have said no. A ride and some stamps. And this trial is costing how much? This woman's reputation is on the line because she asked for a ride for her son, and she used some stamps. Sounds like the salem witch trials all over again. "

I agree wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:44 PM:

" Send me the bill for the stamps and the $3.27 that the employee was payed while picking her son up and let the woman go back to work. Wait... I'm a tax payer... I already payed for it. "

A Friend wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:41 PM:

" This trial should go on no matter what the cost. It represents the public trust in an elected official. If she is guilty of theft, she has violated the public trust and deserves to be punished (fired). If she is found not guilty, she deserves an apology. It is not the amount of money, but the fact that it may have been misappropriated. She is not above the law! "

To Huh wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:35 PM:

" you as well as many others who write threads regarding this case are missing the point. The point is that a county employee is getting paid with taxpayer dollars to do the work for the citizens of the county. Taking your bosses kid anywhere hardly constitutes work for the county taxpayers. The stamps were purchased so much in abundance that an auditor even questioned the clerk about them. Now why is it so difficult for you supporters to realize that this is misuse of public funds. If I want to make a contribution to a charity I send them a check with my own stamped envelope. I do not send them in evelopes with stamps from my job. If I did then I would be guilty of theft, which is defined as taking something that does not belong to you. Now with this in mind maybe some of you can begin to grasp the concept of these allegations. The fact it is only postage stamps is what really is scarry. If this clerk has such a lack luster attitude toward a few thousand stamps, what will be her outlook on a few hundred thousand county tax dollars? "

When wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:29 PM:

" have elected officials at any level been authorized to use taxpayer monies for stamps involving charitable organizations ? If Dozier's testimony is true then Peggy Ann was either very nieve or was knowingly flounting the law. May appear as trevial but she may be the one signaled out as the example to other office holders. "

The B/N way wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:28 PM:

" Working with any other employer in the B/N area the consequence would but a reprimand or termination. Why are they trying this lady as a criminal? I guess that the American Diabetes Associations has more street cred, she should have been selling drugs and this case would never have gone to trial. "

just wait... wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:26 PM:

" there is plenty more to this story that the pantagraph is not revealing. the son was getting rides home from employee while she was on the clock...yes she was getting paid to drive her son home...its not illegal to give someone a ride home but it is, however, illegal to do unjustly duties just for someone else's (Milton's) personal favors and get paid for it. something to think about... "

To Wow: wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:24 PM:

" The point odf the trial is to get rid of her so she will stop wasting our money. Apparently she has already spent your 50 cents, but if you want to send her more, it just proves why these people continue to get away with their corrupt behavior! "

How about this..... wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:21 PM:

" If you think this is a bad deal, then somebody should investigate state farm. there is a lot of stealing company things their. "

To Wow wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:19 PM:

" Amen. Could not have said it better. "

Wow........ wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:14 PM:

" So glad they are wasting taxpayer money on this. Hey we can each send them 50 cents and maybe they will leave it alone?? "

Huh? wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:10 PM:

" Ok, this whole thing is pretty dumb. But, what I don't get is...what is the big deal about someone taking your child home...is that illegal now? I also doubt her child forced himself in her car, and insisted he take him home like some carjacker....I'm truly confused... "

Just wait~~ wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:02 PM:

" If it's not on Leno yet--it will be!! "

Good Grief... wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:57 AM:

" This sounds like something I'd read in Dilbert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Fact wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:53 AM:

" Many get free stamps! Food stamps! "

Rocco wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:49 AM:

" I can't believe that we are wasting our tax dollars to take this kind of thing to trial. Whether stamps were mis-appropriated or not, we are wasting way more money with this trial. And the part about giving her son a ride, who really cares. Wow, I am guessing there is more to this, resembles a witchhunt to me..... "

Stupid wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:30 AM:

" Why waste so much time and money for a trial. Just stupid. "

What? wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:30 AM:

" Can I have some free stamps. If so, I'll be living the high life. Mansions, Jets, Sweet rides! All I need is free stamps! And cookies! "
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