State seeks greater damages from township embezzler

The former Marion County Center Township accountant who pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $340,000 also should pay the cost of investigating his wrongdoing, the Indiana State Board of Accounts says.

Alan S. Mizen pleaded guilty this month to federal public corruption charges after authorities accused him of stealing $343,541 from the township where he had served as chief financial officer. A sentencing date had not been set as of Wednesday.

The Board of Accounts issued a special investigation report detailing the misappropriation of funds that occurred during Mizen’s tenure in 2010 until January 2011. The report said the township’s accounting duties weren’t adequately segregated and adequate controls and oversight weren’t in place. Mizen had complete access to accounting systems allowing him to make financial entries or adjustments to records without prior approval, according to the report.

Mizen agreed to plead guilty and make restitution, but the report also seeks an additional $54,978 to cover costs of the investigation, bringing the total restitution sought to $398,519. According to charging information, various investments and funds controlled by Mizen contained more than $400,000 prior to the time he was indicted. Mizen has agreed to restitution as a condition of sentencing.

Court documents say Mizen used funds misappropriated from the township to help purchase a $500,000 home in Zionsville, a truck, and to pay for vacations and jewelry, among other things. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of as much as $250,000 at sentencing.