WIRT ASSESSOR FACING NEW CHARGES

(12/05/2009)

WTAP-TV is reporting new accusations in the ongoing investigation of Wirt County Assessor Debbie Hennen. Hennen was arraigned in magistrate court yesterday, this time accused of fraudulently filing a document stating an employee worked ten days this past July. A complaint filed with the court says the employee worked only nine of those ten days, and was on vacation the rest of the time. Hennen's attorney, Michele Rusen, issued a statement saying Hennen later corrected the time sheet, and that the employee did not receive any pay he was not entitled to. The attorney questioned whether the matter constituted a crime. Hennen said she is looking forward to defending herself against such charges. Hennen was arrested earlier by State Police in Elizabeth for intimidation of a witness, allegedly bullying her office employees. Authorities have been tight-lipped about the nature of an investigation being conducted on Hennen since last August, but yesterday's charge could be linked to that investigation. Hennen has been free on $1000 bond, since the filing of the intimidation charges, requiring her to stay away from her office for three days each week. Special prosecutor Josh Downey has asked that a Wirt County magistrate be recused from setting Hennen's bond.

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