Norwood’s former deputy auditor is facing felony charges after prosecutors say she billed the city for a conference trip she never took. Sharon Kambizi was indicted on Friday, November 13 on charges including theft in office and tampering with evidence, according to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, whose account was reported by The Cincinnati Enquirer. She no longer works for the city, officials told The Cincinnati Enquirer.
According to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, Kambizi submitted documentation to the city claiming expenses for a hotel stay, meals, and mileage associated with a conference that took place in Columbus in March, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported. She also received 32 hours of pay for attending, according to the prosecutor’s account reported by The Cincinnati Enquirer. An investigation by Norwood police found that she never attended the conference and that she submitted falsified documentation, officials told The Cincinnati Enquirer.
The total amount of the theft is believed to be nearly $2,500, according to the prosecutor’s office as reported by The Cincinnati Enquirer. The dollar figure is modest, but Ohio law treats theft in office seriously precisely because of the position involved: the charge is reserved for public officials and employees accused of stealing property or services connected to the public trust, and it carries consequences beyond the amount on the receipts — including, on conviction, disqualification from holding public office…