Highway Patrol To Assist Marionville Police In Theft Of City Funds Investigation:

The Highway Patrol has been asked to help in the investigation into missing money from the city coffers in Marionville.

Marionville police chief Ron Hutcheson says that the amount of the alleged theft puts it in the felony category."It was officially brought to my attention on Monday (06-29-09,) --- I anticipate that this is going to be a long, protracted investigation, where forensic accounting will have to be used. It's beyond our skill set, so we asked the Highway Patrol to help us out," Hutcheson said.

An emergency board meeting was held Monday night and the city clerk, Claudia White, who had been with the city for sixteen years was fired, according to Hutcheson.

Investigators with the Highway Patrol are expected to arrive in Marionville on Monday to assist the chief and his four full-time officers with the investigation.