Former Columbus Packet Advertising Director Aimee Houtman Shaw is out of jail today, after posting a $15,000 bond Monday afternoon.
Shaw was arrested by Columbus Police Department investigators Saturday night on charges of embezzling from the weekly newspaper, where she worked for about five years.
Neither authorities nor Packet founder Roger Larsen would divulge the amount reported as embezzled from the business. However, Shaw is accused of taking cash and trading advertising for services over a four-year period.
Larsen sold The Packet to local businessmen Justin Shelton and Colin Krieger in mid-June, after 18 years its editor and publisher. Krieger said he was “disheartened” by the charges against Shaw and her subsequent termination, which made the ownership transition more challenging.
“We”re disappointed all the way around, because we purchased The Packet and expected Amy to be a part of it. We were sorry to hear what transpired,” Krieger said, noting Shaw was paid very well.
Larsen also helped her personally, added Krieger, current editor of the paper. “It was disheartening to hear all the things that had happened.”
Shaw, 40, of 158 Center Road, did not return a call to her cell phone before press time this morning. Her Municipal Court hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4.
Though the embezzlement in this case is suspected to have happened since 2006, cases of embezzlement have become more common in Columbus.
“Embezzlement cases in Columbus have been on the rise and will continue with the holidays approaching,” said CPD Public Information Officer Terrie Songer.
A felony charge of embezzlement (embezzling more than $500) carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail or up to a $25,000 fine, according to updated state statutes. The crime previously carried a maximum $10,000 fine.
Larsen said he offered Shaw an opportunity to settle out of court, but she declined. After being fired from The Packet, Shaw began publishing an online news site, The Possum Town Post.
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