A trial begins today for a Northside cemetery administrator accused of bilking thousands of dollars from an endowment created to maintain it.

        Robert A. Merkle, 62, was indicted in April on three counts of theft and one count of failing to maintain an endowment care fund.

        If convicted, the Northside man faces up to six years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine.

        Jury selection will begin today before Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge David P. Davis.

        Mr. Merkle became president of Wesleyan Cemetery Inc. in 1995.

        The Ohio nonprofit corporation owns and maintains the historic Colerain Avenue cemetery.

        Prosecutors say that from July 31, 1995 until July 31, 2001, he transferred thousands of dollars from the endowment into a separate checking account to use for his or his family's personal expenses.

        When he took over the cemetery in 1995, the endowment contained more than $97,000. But, prosecutors allege, Mr. Merkle drained the fund to pay credit- card and veterinary bills and private-school tuition for his grandchildren.

        Prosecutors also contend that he used money earmarked for cemetery upkeep to purchase toy trains and pay for his satellite television.

        They say he continued to sell burial plots but failed to channel the proceeds to the endowment fund.

        By 2000, the fund was depleted.

        Prosecutors intend to introduce bank statements and testimony from bank officials about Mr. Merkle's financial transactions.

        Testimony is also expected from family members of people buried in the cemetery. Those witnesses could discuss the appearance of the cemetery and what personal efforts they've made to keep the cemetery presentable.

        Since the funds for maintenance have run out, grass and weeds have overrun grave sites, forcing some family members to mow and remove broken tree branches and other debris from grave sites.

        Survivors of those buried at Wesleyan Cemetery have complained that headstones have either been damaged or destroyed. In some cases they've complained that headstones, which had been purchased, were never placed on the grave sites.

        Mr. Merkle has pleaded not guilty.

Two games, same result
Rights leaders back boycott
BRONSON: Fightin' words
Some Good News
Counseling demand overwhelms colleges
Green reigns supreme
Hospital gone, but gap filled by others
Victims of fatal wreck had 'shared everything'
Cemetery operator on trial
Dual roles connect community
Medicare sector up for reduction
Panel would aid Liberty development
Parents get lesson in sex education
Park plan lets down theater group
Traficant quiet on defense strategy
U.S. currency redesign may include color
Weapons bill nears House vote
485 Indiana waterways too polluted, survey says
4,000 dogs compete in Louisville
N.Ky. backs more gaming
Tristate A.M. report