PP police clerk charged with felony theft

A former police clerk for the Village of Pine Prairie was in court Thursday morning for one count of theft.
Mona Norton appeared before the Honorable Gary J. Ortego of the 13th Judicial District and entered a plea of not guilty to Theft $750 or More but Less Than $5,000.00.
Judge Ortego referred the defendant to the Evangeline Parish Indigent Defendant Board for appointment of counsel and appointed Alicia Phillips Kelly to represent her. Judge Ortego also set the defendant’s bond at $7,500.00 and allowed it to be a non-secured bond.
The State of Louisiana through the Evangeline Parish District Attorney’s Office set Norton’s trial dates for February 1, 2018, for trial probing and February 12, 2018, for trial.
According to Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent Brignac, “Approximately two weeks ago, I was informed by investigators from the legislative auditor’s office that they were conducting investigations into the potential improprieties in regard to theft at the Pine Prairie City Hall.”
“Investigations led to indicate that the Pine Prairie criminal clerk may have misappropriated funds,” Brignac continued. “After further investigation, Mona Norton was charged with felony theft and was arraigned on November 2 at which time she entered a plea of not guilty.”
Pine Prairie Mayor Quint West did not wish to make a statement at this time because of the ongoing investigation. He did say; however, “I would like to offer the citizens of Pine Prairie the assurance in that our town attorney, CPA, police chief, town council, as well as myself are looking at recommendations given to us by the legislative auditors. We are working together to put new policies in place that will help safeguard against instances of this nature reoccurring in the future.”