State of Indiana Files Lawsuit Against Former LMU Superintendent

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.

RELATED STORIES

Former LMU Superintendent Facing Multiple Felony Charges

Lawrenceburg City Council Votes Out LMU Director Olin Clawson

UPDATE: Lawrenceburg City Council Settles $1 Million LMU Payment

$1.3M Utility Pole Project Explained; City, LMU Appear Ready To Settle It At $1M

Election Opponent, LMU Director & Former Councilman Question L'burg Mayor's Sewer Pump Purchase

LMU Tent, Financial Allegations Break Down Into War Of Words

More from Local News

Events

Local Author to Hold Book Signing in Lawrenceburg

The event will take place on February 27.

Man Arrested After DNA Confirms 13-Year-Old Victim Gave Birth to His Child

The North Vernon man is facing felony child molesting.

Legislation Co-Authored by Rep. Bascom Cracking Down on Foreign Adversaries Heads to Senate

The bill aims to protect Hoosier technology, intellectual property and land from foreign adversaries.

Batesville's Hughes Named IBCA District 3 Player of the Week

Jennings County's girls basketball team was also honored.

McGrath Commits to Franklin College

This Student Story is presented by FCN Bank.

East Central Football Stars Make College Commitments

Four Trojans announced their college decisions on National Signing Day.

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Zac Brown Band - Chicken Fried

Jason Aldean Girl Like You 14:25
Tracy Lawrence Alibis 14:22
Charlie Rich The Most Beautiful Girl in the World 14:19
Chris Stapleton Nobody to Blame 14:15