State of Indiana Files Lawsuit Against Former LMU Superintendent

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 1:32 PM

The State seeks to recover alleged misappropriated public funds.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – The State of Indiana has filed a lawsuit in Dearborn Circuit/Superior Court against the former superintendent of Lawrenceburg Municipal Utilities.

On behalf of the City of Lawrenceburg and the State Board of Accounts, Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a Complaint to Recover Public Funds against Olin Clawson and Ohio Casualty Insurance Company.

According to court documents, Rokita seeks to redress any harm done to the public welfare; the property of the State of Indiana; the property of the Lawrenceburg Municipal Utilities, City of Lawrenceburg and/or Dearborn County, which resulted from the alleged misappropriation and diversion of public funds by Clawson when he was employed as superintendent of LMU.

Clawson is facing multiple charges stemming from a federal investigation into irregularities with the finances of LMU. He served as superintendent from November 2014 to January 2020 when Lawrenceburg City Council voted to relieve him of his duties amid allegations of unapproved spending.

Court documents show that the City, SBOA and the State have recovered a total of $83,320.38 from applicable insurance and/or bond coverage relating to the audit report in 2022.

Attorney General Rokita is requesting that the court enter judgement for the State and against Clawson in the amount of $152,197.38, minus the amount of $83,320.38, for a total amount of $68,877.00. The State is also requesting additional damages in the amount of $166,640.76.

The last action in the case occurred on June 20 when Answer and Affirmation Defenses were filed by Clawson. That document, along with the Complaint filed by Rokita can be viewed below.

As far as the criminal case, a jury trial has been rescheduled several times and is currently slated for November 18.

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