Arraignment set in clerk theft case

SANDPOINT — A former assistant clerk accused of stealing money from the city of Clark Fork has waived her right to a preliminary hearing, court records show.

Sandra Jaan Brockus is awaiting arraignment in 1st District Court on two felony counts of misusing public funds. Her arraignment is set for March 16.

If convicted, Brockus faces five to 14 years in prison.

Brockus, a 38-year-old Hope resident, is charged with misappropriating more than $300 over the course of three thefts in June and October of last year. She’s also charged with taking less than $300 in November 2008.

City officials have said money was turning up missing from an account comprised of funds paid by water customers in Clark Fork. A surveillance system was installed as a result of the thefts and footage showed Brockus committing the thefts, Mayor Tom Shields said.

Brockus also admitted taking the money when she was confronted by a sheriff’s deputy, according to Bonner County Deputy Prosecutor James Frazier.

In waiving a preliminary hearing, a defendant concedes there is sufficient evidence to justify a trial on the charges.

Brockus’ defense counsel, Sandpoint attorney Michael Waldrup, has filed court papers indicating his client intends to plead not guilty.