[Southsider2k12]

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte...00afa0fbba.html

LAPORTE — LaPorte County is no longer in the hole for the $152,000 embezzled by a former public official whose actions driven by a gambling addiction landed her in a federal prison.

A check for the entire amount was presented Wednesday to the LaPorte County commissioners. The funds came from a county insurance policy covering such losses.

‘’The process was long, but we’re finally pleased to close the claim,’’ said John Klingenmeier, Michiana Insurance agent.

Originally, the goal was to get the money back directly from former LaPorte County deputy auditor Mary Ray, who was convicted of the crime, to avoid a rate hike on the policy.

However, many of Ray’s assets, like her house, were jointly owned, making them practically untouchable, said LaPorte County attorney Shaw Friedman.