HARVEYSBURG — A Warren County grand jury indicted a former village official Monday on charges of theft in office.

        “I think justice will be served now,” Village Councilman Robert Gibbs said of the action.

        The indictment stems from a state audit, released last week, that alleges Kimble Grant wrote himself checks and made thousands of dollars in personal charges on village credit cards in 1999, while he was Harveysburg administrator. Mr. Grant improperly spent $7,821 of the village's money, the audit concluded — almost 7 percent of its annual general fund budget.

        “I didn't have any intention of stealing,” he said Monday.

        Mr. Grant, who quit last January, could be sentenced to six to 18 months in jail and be fined up to $5,000 if convicted of the fourth-degree felony. He also would be barred from holding public office again and forced to make restitution.

        The Harveysburg resident, who now works as a cook, said he will repay the village by Thursday. The misspending was the result of mistakes and a lack of training, he said.

        “It never occurred to us to tell him not to buy patio equipment,” village attorney Pat Long said.

        The audit's findings against Mr. Grant include:

        • $735 in two checks he wrote to himself.

        • $663.44 paid on leases for two computers at Mr. Grant's home. He said bills were sent to the wrong place.

        • $1,945.39 charged to a Sam's Club card. Mr. Grant said he thought he was using his personal card.

        • $1,777.12 charged to a Lowe's credit card.

        • $1,705.20 charged to a Staples card.

Shuttlesworth receives Presidential Medal
Mariemont woman has a role in 'Mole'
Supreme court ends killer's appeal
N.Ky. Mardi Gras moves indoors
Bush group gives Lindner back $100K
College-bound learn about financial aid
Cost of degree ahead of inflation
Minister, 78, on mend after street shooting
PULFER: Officially speaking is free
Teen Reach complaints going nowhere
How Teen Reach came to Harveysburg
Murder of UC student detailed
Ohio purges Web site of drug, violence data
City debates more funds for Carthage housing
County OKs payment for stadium overruns
Ex-official indicted in theft case
Family grateful to 'heroes'
Math teachers squaring divisions
Prosecution may have conflict in Craven case
Charges filed in case of fake cop
Democrats revive fund club
Newport officials outline priorities
Republican senator proposes central anti-litter program
St. Patrick's parade set for March 17
Big-name concert at Deer Park
Boat would be time machine to 1804 journey
Contractor chosen for Butler road
Crash kills Independence woman
Dog to help collar crooks
House committee chairman stands in way of increased speed limits
Kentucky Digest
Lebanon residents should boil water
Local Digest
Madeira names new councilman
No charges half-year after death from club drug
Parents ask for return of teacher
Reading police chief served community well
Two men charged in pipe bomb explosion