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Neff indicted on two felony counts
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| Terri Jo Neff |
Thelma Grimes
SAN PEDRO VALLEY NEWS-Sun
Mescal resident Terri Jo Neff is awaiting arraignment after being indicted on two felony theft charges by a Cochise County grand jury.
A grand jury indicted Neff for two felonies on June 18. Neff has been charged with one count of theft of property valued at more than $20,000, a class 3 felony, and one count of fraudulent schemes, a class 2 felony.
Gloria German, the administrative manager for Cochise County Attorney Ed Rheinheimer, said the next step is for Neff to be arraigned, where she will enter a plea. The arraignment had originally been set for July 6, but was rescheduled due to Neff's attorney, Les Boegemann, being out of town.
Neff, a former freelance writer for the San Pedro Valley News-Sun, said she will plead not guilty to all charges.
Neff, 44, is being accused by her former employer, Mescal Auto Services, of allegedly stealing money that was supposed to go toward paying bills for the company.
Neff said she is surprised by the charges, noting that she has yet to be interviewed by the Cochise County Sheriff's Department (CCSD). With rumors flying last November and December, Neff said she finally got it confirmed by the detective in charge in January that she was, in fact, under investigation.
""The last contact I had with CCSD was several months ago when the detective cancelled a scheduled meeting because he said he had to attend a training class," Neff said. "My attorney was unavailable for the rescheduled meeting, wh-ich the detective was told. Since then, my attorney had been in contact with the CCSD waiting for them to schedule a meeting."
According to the condensed report provided by Carol Capas of the Cochise County Sheriff's Department, owners of Mescal Auto contacted authorities Nov. 14 of last year.
"The owner of Mescal Auto Service reported that the former manager, Terri Jo Neff, throughout the course of her employment there, had embezzled approximately $20,000 from the business," the report states. "Taking money for bills and other items and failing to pay for them. Neff had also allegedly taken mail from the business in order to conceal the past due monies owed and various accounts."
At that time, a fraud packet was given to the owners of Mescal Auto, which was completed and returned to the sheriff's department. The case was then turned over to Detective Bobby Gerenczer.
Bob Baker, of Mescal Auto Service, located on the 3000 block of W. Ripple Road, confirmed that he and his wife notified authorities to pursue the charges.
The sheriff's report further states that the owner of Mescal Auto did not find out that Neff had allegedly embezzled the money until after she left in October 2008.
"The owner advised me that their former manager (Neff) had been receiving notices of past due bills that had never been paid," the report states. "She explained that some were for taxes and unemployment. The owner identified the former manager as Terri Jo Neff, stating that Neff had quit to go to work for the Benson Chamber of Commerce. She stated that Neff had come to the business to drop off mail for the business, which Neff had been taking home. The owner informed me that Neff had told her she had been having problems and that she did not know why she did it, stating that Neff had admitted to her that she took the money."
Mescal Auto Services further claims that their records kept by Neff had indicated that bills were being paid, and the money was taken out of accounts as they were paid.
"The owner stated that after Neff's employment terminated, she noted several bills which had not been paid and that the mail Neff had brought back indicated that they were past due," said the sheriff's report.
Neff took over as the executive director of the Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber Commerce in October last year. She was let go by the chamber shortly after the sheriff's department investigation began.
Since then, Neff, owner of Backbone Strategies, has been doing contract public relations and event planning work for the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group, Solar Park and Solar Foundation operated by Kevin Rasch and for the Arizona Rangers, Benson Company.
Neff, who worked for Mescal Auto for about five years, is also the chairperson for the Mescal/J-Six Fire District Board. She is the spouse of Fire Chief Warren Neff.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors in August voted to create the fire district, increasing property owners' taxes to allow .7 cents per $100 of a property's assessed value to go to the fire department, which covers 14 square miles.
Neff, and the rest of the district board, decide how to spend the tax dollars each year.
The treasurer of the board is Jean Nelson.
Neff does have a record. She was indicted for theft by swindle over $2,500 in Minnesota in 1995.
It was a misdemeanor.
SAN PEDRO VALLEY NEWS-Sun
Mescal resident Terri Jo Neff is awaiting arraignment after being indicted on two felony theft charges by a Cochise County grand jury.
A grand jury indicted Neff for two felonies on June 18. Neff has been charged with one count of theft of property valued at more than $20,000, a class 3 felony, and one count of fraudulent schemes, a class 2 felony.
Gloria German, the administrative manager for Cochise County Attorney Ed Rheinheimer, said the next step is for Neff to be arraigned, where she will enter a plea. The arraignment had originally been set for July 6, but was rescheduled due to Neff's attorney, Les Boegemann, being out of town.
Neff, a former freelance writer for the San Pedro Valley News-Sun, said she will plead not guilty to all charges.
Neff, 44, is being accused by her former employer, Mescal Auto Services, of allegedly stealing money that was supposed to go toward paying bills for the company.
Neff said she is surprised by the charges, noting that she has yet to be interviewed by the Cochise County Sheriff's Department (CCSD). With rumors flying last November and December, Neff said she finally got it confirmed by the detective in charge in January that she was, in fact, under investigation.
""The last contact I had with CCSD was several months ago when the detective cancelled a scheduled meeting because he said he had to attend a training class," Neff said. "My attorney was unavailable for the rescheduled meeting, wh-ich the detective was told. Since then, my attorney had been in contact with the CCSD waiting for them to schedule a meeting."
According to the condensed report provided by Carol Capas of the Cochise County Sheriff's Department, owners of Mescal Auto contacted authorities Nov. 14 of last year.
"The owner of Mescal Auto Service reported that the former manager, Terri Jo Neff, throughout the course of her employment there, had embezzled approximately $20,000 from the business," the report states. "Taking money for bills and other items and failing to pay for them. Neff had also allegedly taken mail from the business in order to conceal the past due monies owed and various accounts."
At that time, a fraud packet was given to the owners of Mescal Auto, which was completed and returned to the sheriff's department. The case was then turned over to Detective Bobby Gerenczer.
Bob Baker, of Mescal Auto Service, located on the 3000 block of W. Ripple Road, confirmed that he and his wife notified authorities to pursue the charges.
The sheriff's report further states that the owner of Mescal Auto did not find out that Neff had allegedly embezzled the money until after she left in October 2008.
"The owner advised me that their former manager (Neff) had been receiving notices of past due bills that had never been paid," the report states. "She explained that some were for taxes and unemployment. The owner identified the former manager as Terri Jo Neff, stating that Neff had quit to go to work for the Benson Chamber of Commerce. She stated that Neff had come to the business to drop off mail for the business, which Neff had been taking home. The owner informed me that Neff had told her she had been having problems and that she did not know why she did it, stating that Neff had admitted to her that she took the money."
Mescal Auto Services further claims that their records kept by Neff had indicated that bills were being paid, and the money was taken out of accounts as they were paid.
"The owner stated that after Neff's employment terminated, she noted several bills which had not been paid and that the mail Neff had brought back indicated that they were past due," said the sheriff's report.
Neff took over as the executive director of the Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber Commerce in October last year. She was let go by the chamber shortly after the sheriff's department investigation began.
Since then, Neff, owner of Backbone Strategies, has been doing contract public relations and event planning work for the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group, Solar Park and Solar Foundation operated by Kevin Rasch and for the Arizona Rangers, Benson Company.
Neff, who worked for Mescal Auto for about five years, is also the chairperson for the Mescal/J-Six Fire District Board. She is the spouse of Fire Chief Warren Neff.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors in August voted to create the fire district, increasing property owners' taxes to allow .7 cents per $100 of a property's assessed value to go to the fire department, which covers 14 square miles.
Neff, and the rest of the district board, decide how to spend the tax dollars each year.
The treasurer of the board is Jean Nelson.
Neff does have a record. She was indicted for theft by swindle over $2,500 in Minnesota in 1995.
It was a misdemeanor.
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Concerned citizen wrote on Jul 8, 2009 10:51 AM:
" Is this the same Terri Jo Neff, reported in 1996 by the Financial Industry Regulator Authority in Minnesota, as a Registered Representative in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, submitted a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent pursuant to which she was fined $100,000 and barred from association with any NASD member in any capacity. It is reported that Neff consented to the described sanctions and to the entry of findings that, without the knowledge or consent of public customers, she changed their addresses of record with her member firm to her home address or post office boxes under her control. The NASD found that Neff requested loans against insurance policies in the names of these customers and converted the loans totaling $21,215.34 by depositing the loan checks into her bank account and used the proceeds for her own use and benefit.
Is this the same Terri Jo Neff who was convicted and sentenced to a period of incarceration in Case No. 27-CR-95-110883, State of Minnesota – but was allowed as a result of plea agreement to do community service in lieu of jail time – and placed on Probation for a period of time?
And now, similar felony theft allegations here in Cochise County?
Credibility as a reporter of "news" is essential. If all of this is true, in all fairness to anyone that may access your archives in the future, any articles she wrote, and you subsequenly published, should be removed – taken off the internet - or at a minimum footnoted with this information. "
Is this the same Terri Jo Neff who was convicted and sentenced to a period of incarceration in Case No. 27-CR-95-110883, State of Minnesota – but was allowed as a result of plea agreement to do community service in lieu of jail time – and placed on Probation for a period of time?
And now, similar felony theft allegations here in Cochise County?
Credibility as a reporter of "news" is essential. If all of this is true, in all fairness to anyone that may access your archives in the future, any articles she wrote, and you subsequenly published, should be removed – taken off the internet - or at a minimum footnoted with this information. "
Concerned wrote on Jul 8, 2009 2:36 PM:
" Although I don't know Ms. Neff, and although everyone is assumed innocent until proven guilty, it's weird that the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group would have someone being investigated for felony charges do PR work for them. "
To Concerned Citizen wrote on Jul 8, 2009 3:35 PM:
" Wow, that's a real barrage of little b.b. pellets. Is your info in the form of a question because you don't know the answer, or just so you can smear without actually coming out? "
Concerned resident wrote on Jul 8, 2009 4:31 PM:
" Jean Nelson is not the treasure. She simlply sends out the bills to insurance companies and to the state of Arizona for fire's. The Mescal-J6 Fire District and it's firefighters should not be looked down up on due to the alleged actions by Ms. Neff. This had NOTHING to do with the Mescal-J6 Fire District. "
Also Concerned wrote on Jul 8, 2009 6:42 PM:
" I agree everyone is innocent until proven guilty. But in the case of Terry Jo Neff, it has been reported she previously admitted her involvement in a crime...in the form of a plea agreement. I cannot speak for the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group, or any other group she may represent, but most likely they were not aware of her previous criminal record. "
Mescal J-6 Resident wrote on Jul 8, 2009 7:25 PM:
" TO QUIET OBSERVER:
As a resident of Mescal -J6, your comment does not ease my concerns. What about credibility, integrity, common sense - aren't those traits import as a leader of the fire district? "
As a resident of Mescal -J6, your comment does not ease my concerns. What about credibility, integrity, common sense - aren't those traits import as a leader of the fire district? "
Cut to the chase wrote on Jul 9, 2009 12:29 PM:
" Let's stop all this pussyfooting. We should just tar & feather her & run her out of town on a rail. Don't forget to carve a big letter into her forehead, and cut off her hands, so that she can never get a job again. There's no need to wait after charges are filed! Once you're charged, a lynch mob should ruin your life! Why bother to wait for the justice system to do its job? Forget justice. Get your rope and light your torches! "
Supporter of Mescal-J6 Fire District wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:32 PM:
" Neff should distance herself from the Mescal-J6 Fire District, Arizona Rangers, and any other public group she may be working with (paid or unpaid) - the hard working, dedicated volunteers who support these groups deserve no less. "
HJackson wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:40 PM:
" Concerned citizen sounds mean-spirited. Ms. Neff will pay the price the law requires, and suffer the embarrassment that "everybody knows." What would removing her work, or worse yet tagging it with "this information" accomplish, other than to give Concerned a smug sense of satisfaction or superiority? Gimme a break. "
Observer wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:24 PM:
" I wonder what our world would be like if everyone's mistakes were plastered over the headlines. From my short interaction with Ms.Neff, she has been professional and a hard worker. If she doesn't have access to their money, why wouldn't the economic group utilize her skill? Or maybe we shouldn't hire anyone who has had made mistakes in the past? "
Mescal wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:21 AM:
" I assume Ms. Neff has stepped down from the Fire District. If not, she should immediately. While she is innocent until proven guilty, a past offense of this nature and the current allegation are not conducive to working around taxpayer and donated money. I thank Ms. Neff for all the hard work she did getting the Fire District formed, but cannot help but worry about donations we made to the volunteer department before it was a district. This is all very sad. "
To Observer wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:57 AM:
" I agree with you, individuals make mistakes or bad choices and should be given a second chance. This includes Ms. Neff. But when past decisions develop into a pattern that includes alledged criminal behavior, we should not be as tolerant. Just a thought. "
How is that wrote on Jul 10, 2009 11:15 AM:
" Some of these comments basically say "she's innocent until proven guilty, but only sort of." That doesn't sound very much like people mean what they say. Our Bill of Rights is sort of like Christianity, too, easy to mouth but hard to follow. Whatever Neff has done, it's over, & now it's time for us Americans/Christians to show our own quality, or lack of it in the way we act towards her. "
mescal res wrote on Jul 10, 2009 4:39 PM:
" This women has stuck her nose in everyones business since the day she moved here.A know it all that only knows how to rip people off.I would never suport any place she may be employed or trust any organization that alows her to be a spokes person for.You can always bet theres somthing in it for her.Jail time in another state would be wonderful "
Criminal Record wrote on Jul 10, 2009 6:41 PM:
" If Neff has a criminal record as reported in this article, why was she allowed to be a reporter representing the Benson News...or get a position of trust with our Chamber? "
Jim C wrote on Jul 11, 2009 8:39 AM:
" To Criminal Record:
The answer why she was allowed to write for this newspaper is the Editor and Publisher of the paper has no ethics herself. Now she has thrown Neff to the wolfs just like she has done to local officials who did not bow to her. "
The answer why she was allowed to write for this newspaper is the Editor and Publisher of the paper has no ethics herself. Now she has thrown Neff to the wolfs just like she has done to local officials who did not bow to her. "
Quiet Observer wrote on Jul 11, 2009 11:24 AM:
" Ms. Neff's position with the M-J6 Fire District receives constant oversight not only by other board members, but by the community via open public meetings. Any mishandling of funds would be quickly discovered due to built-in checks-and-balances established by the organization. (I can't help but question the lack of supervision and control by former employers.)
Perhaps you will recall the widely circulated email several years ago "informing" the reader of alleged crimes and moral turpitude of our elected members of congress. The listed crimes varied from spousal abuse, fraud, writing bad checks, drug-related charges and DUI. Assuming only 10% of the crimes were verified as being true, no one asked these people to step down from their position. Is it possible that while these individuals' personal life was in shambles their job performance exceeded expectations? I have not heard, or read, of any fault-finding relating to Ms. Neff's abilities to oversee activities of the M-J6 Fire District. My observations are she is dedicated and doing an outstanding job guiding the district in its infancy by openly maintaining the transparency the residents are entitled to receive.
Until Ms. Neff falters in her duties and responsibilities to the fire district I think the community should support her efforts, and I am reminded of the bumper sticker Support Our Troops. Regardless of personal feelings towards Ms. Neff, we must Support Our Firefighters and District. The community’s need must come first -- regardless of personal animosities and vendettas. "
Perhaps you will recall the widely circulated email several years ago "informing" the reader of alleged crimes and moral turpitude of our elected members of congress. The listed crimes varied from spousal abuse, fraud, writing bad checks, drug-related charges and DUI. Assuming only 10% of the crimes were verified as being true, no one asked these people to step down from their position. Is it possible that while these individuals' personal life was in shambles their job performance exceeded expectations? I have not heard, or read, of any fault-finding relating to Ms. Neff's abilities to oversee activities of the M-J6 Fire District. My observations are she is dedicated and doing an outstanding job guiding the district in its infancy by openly maintaining the transparency the residents are entitled to receive.
Until Ms. Neff falters in her duties and responsibilities to the fire district I think the community should support her efforts, and I am reminded of the bumper sticker Support Our Troops. Regardless of personal feelings towards Ms. Neff, we must Support Our Firefighters and District. The community’s need must come first -- regardless of personal animosities and vendettas. "
J6 mescal wrote on Jul 11, 2009 4:49 PM:
" Guantanamo bay would be a perfect place...........so no one else gets victimized "
Chamber concerns wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:10 AM:
" Did she handle any funds while working as Executive Director with the Chamber? This is embarassing news for several organizations. "
J-6 Resident wrote on Jul 12, 2009 11:50 AM:
" So, "mescal res", you would not support Mescal Auto because Terri Jo worked there? That seems kind of silly. And "Criminal Record", perhaps these organizations did not do a background check. I am quite sure no one who knew about her Minnesota history would have hired her. I would expect that once this has been settled (I would bet there is no jail time involved) the Neffs will move on to a new area and a new start, which is too bad in one way because Mr. Neff has been a very good leader of the volunteer fire department. Too bad that Terri Jo has undone those good works (allegedly). "
Get real wrote on Jul 13, 2009 8:56 PM:
" "Quiet Observer"
Stay focused. Terri Jo is indicted for theft and fraud. Felonies. Stop with the spin already. "
Stay focused. Terri Jo is indicted for theft and fraud. Felonies. Stop with the spin already. "
opinionate wrote on Jul 14, 2009 1:13 PM:
" Of course it's not right for what she has done but everyone make mistakes and only GOD can judge and punish. She will get her punishment in due time. "
Quiet Observer wrote on Jul 7, 2009 7:31 PM:
To ease any concerns of residents within the Mescal-J6 Fire District, the Chairperson has no access to any tax money. That ability is restricted to only a few as recorded with the Cochise County Treasurer's Office. "