Yamhill City Recorder Charged in Thefts

An investigation was launched after the city mayor noticed funds missing from numerous transactions over the last year.

48-year old Sandra Elizabeth Wodarczak was the city recorder for the city of Yamhill. Photo: Yamhill County Sheriff

(MCMINNVILLE, Ore.) - The Recorder for the City of Yamhill has been arrested on charges relating to the theft of over $18,000 in city funds, Yamhill County Sheriff's Office Spokesman Ken Summer Said.

48-year old Sandra Elizabeth Wodarczak of rural Yamhill, was arrested and taken to the Yamhill County Jail on the charges of Aggravated Theft, and Official Misconduct. Summers says Wodarczak has been the City Recorder and City Treasurer since 2000.

According to Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree, the investigation began February 29th 2008, when official’s from the City of Yamhill requested that Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office Detectives begin an investigation into missing funds.

"City staff identified missing deposits of cash that had occurred over the past year. Mayor Murphy contacted an auditing service, who determined that over $18,000.00 was unaccounted for.

The missing funds appear to be from numerous transactions over the past calendar year," Crabtree said. He added that Wodarczak is cooperating with the investigation.

Detectives from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office arrested Wodarczak yesterday on $15,000 security. She was later released on her own recognizance.

Crabtree says anyone with information or inquiries into this case may contact Sergeant Russ Ludwig at (503) 434-7506 ext. 4580.