Accountant accused of embezzling over $1M from fire district

Accountant accused of embezzling over $1M from fire district

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Story Published: Oct 9, 2007 at 4:20 PM PST

Story Updated: Jul 26, 2008 at 4:00 PM PST

By Thom Jensen and KATU Web Staff

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ESTACADA, Ore. - A long-time accountant for the Estacada Fire District is under arrest on charges she used her position to embezzle more than $1 million over a several-year span.

Pamela Rowley-Butcher, who kept the books for the Estacada Fire District for 24 years, is charged with 59 counts of first-degree aggravated theft.

Investigators believe that over at least 10 years, she may have siphoned off $100,000 annually from the fire district's accounts.

Estacada Fire Chief Alan Hull said every taxpayer in his district is a victim, as are Rowley-Butcher's former co-workers.

"Shows how little you know someone for 24 years," said Hull. "I consider Pam a friend and co-worker and the broken trust there - I've lost a lot of sleep and I know others who have also."

Rowley-Butcher's bail was set at almost $1.5 million. She will be arraigned in court Wednesday afternoon in Oregon City.

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