The former city clerk for a small central Iowa town faces federal charges in a case that involves a fire and the alleged theft of tens of thousands of dollars.
Dorothy Dillinger is the former city clerk in Casey. She has been charged with five counts of mail fraud and one count of malicious use of fire. Prosecutors say Dillinger set fire to the city clerk’s office in August of last year, to destroy records state auditors were set to review the next morning.
Auditors were able to track down the records for city accounts through banks and payroll records kept elsewhere. The state auditor’s investigation identified nearly $300,000 worth of questionable spending. Federal prosecutors say Dillinger used the city’s credit card to buy items for personal use. The auditor’s report found Dillinger used city money to make purchases at places like Victoria’s Secret and Amazon.com.
Casey is located along the Adair/Guthrie County line. According to Census figures, 425 people live in the town. Dillinger had been the city clerk in Casey since 1984. The auditor’s review covered the last six years Dillinger worked for the city.