Councilwoman Pleads Not Guilty in Misuse of Funds

Councilwoman Helen Jo O’Hara pleaded not guilty Thursday to one felony count of misusing public funds.

O’Hara, 36, allegedly received $1,550 in July 1997 to cover expenses for travel to conferences, said Assistant City Manager Ann Negendank. When she failed to attend the conferences, the O’Hara was asked to return the money, Negendank said. O’Hara gave the money back in October 1997, Negendank said.

By then, however, city officials had complained to the Sheriff’s Department, said district attorney’s office spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons.

“She didn’t pay it back until she knew she was being investigated,” Gibbons said. She also is accused of using the money for purposes other than travel, Gibbons said. She would not elaborate.

O’Hara could not be reached for comment. Her attorney, Charles Frisco, said: “We’re looking forward to our day in court,” and declined further comment.

O’Hara has served on the City Council since 1994 and has come under criticism from her colleagues for her frequent absences. In 1998, she failed to attend 19 of 28 council meetings. In January, she declared she would not run for reelection in March.

Municipal Judge Kevin L. Brown released O’Hara on her own recognizance and scheduled a preliminary hearing for Feb. 8. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison.