Dispatcher Indicted–Union Fraud Alleged

After a 10-month investigation, a former Jefferson County (NY) public safety dispatcher has been indicted for embezzling over $15,000 from the labor union where she served as treasurer. Karen Calhoun, 42, was arrested by sheriff’s deputies and was later released without bail. She resigned in July 2008 after serving 11 years as a dispatcher. According to the indictment, officials believe she falsified union business records, forged documents, and took money and property that belonged to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Employee Local 3089, AFL-CIO. She served as treasurer of the group from 2005 to 2007, and the indictment says the alleged crimes occurred between Jan. 2006 through March 2008.