HARRISBURG, PA — In a significant verdict rendered this week, Antoinette Hodge, the former treasurer of Uniontown city, was found guilty of embezzling approximately $106,000 in taxpayer funds, a crime that spanned from 2020 to 2021. The Fayette County jury convicted the 54-year-old on multiple charges, including theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and perjury.
The case, initially referred by the Fayette County District Attorney, was investigated by the Office of Attorney General and the Forty-Eighth Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. The allegations against Hodge painted a picture of betrayal, as she was accused of failing to deposit substantial sums of cash, instead diverting the money for personal expenses.
Attorney General Michelle Henry underscored the gravity of such breaches of public trust, stating, “The defendant was elected to a position of trust in her community. She abused that trust and defrauded taxpayers for her own gain.” Henry emphasized the importance of prosecuting such crimes to uphold the integrity of local government.
Hodge, elected as the City of Uniontown Treasurer in 2019, was entrusted with the responsibility of handling and depositing all cash and checks received by the tax office. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that she misappropriated funds, with investigations highlighting expenditures exceeding $1,500 daily on lottery games.
Having lost her bid for re-election, Hodge no longer holds the office of Treasurer. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 21, where she could face significant penalties. The prosecution was led by Senior Deputy Attorney General Kara Rice.
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