Jury selection is Oct. 15 for embezzlement trial

Jury selection for the theft trial of Doris Robinson, 60, of Jacksonville, who is accused of taking funds from Rusk City Hall, is scheduled for Oct. 15 in the 369th district court in Rusk. Mrs. Robinson, a former city employee, has been charged with theft of between $20,000 and $100,000 in the fall of 2006 from the city's water department funds.

While the indictment charges that the amount of the missing funds falls between $20,000-$100,000, sources say the missing funds could be as much as $150,000.

Early on in the investigation, Texas Ranger Rudy Flores was asked to participate in the inquiry.

The time frame was narrowed to a two-year period spanning from 2004- 06. An independent, forensic audit was performed at the request of District Attorney Elmer Beckworth.

Mrs. Robinson began her duties at city hall in July 1994 as a utility billing clerk. When she was terminated from city employment in September 2006, she was employed as a utility billing clerk/bookkeeper.

The trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 16. District Attorney Beckworth said his office is working in getting ready to take the case to trial. 369th District Judge Bascom Bentley III will preside.

Several persons have received subpoenas in connection with the trial. Mr. Beckworth declined to comment if the subpoenas came from his office or not. He did state that "subpoenas are just a part of getting ready for the trial."

Mrs. Robinson is represented by Houston attorney John Green.

Mr. Green described Mrs. Robinson as a "good lady, not a thief. She is honest, law abiding and scared to death. The stress is almost unbearable to her."

Mr. Green continued in saying, "There was a long period of time when the books were not reconciled. I don't know if they can prove there was money missing. Since then they have gone to new controls (a new bookkeeping system). She got a raw deal. No one saw her taking the money. The evidence is on her side.

"We will be prepared to pick a jury. But, we are trying to settle this thing out of court. I think it will be best for everyone. If not, we will go to trial or get a continuance," Mr. Green said.

Mrs. Robinson's husband is Jacksonville city councilman Hubert Robinson.