Difference of Opinion Over Former Oxford Tax Collector Karen Guillet

A difference of opinion has broken out between former First Selectwoman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers and current First Selectman George R. Temple over the actions of former Tax Collector Karen Guillet, who is in prison for embezzling millions from the town.

Temple spoke at Guillet’s parole hearing and urged the board not to let her out of prison, the board denied Guillet’s parole.

Oxford Patch wrote an article about the parole hearing and Temple’s statement, which can be read here. At the end of the story Drayton-Rogers wrote the following, comment, and below that Temple has responded with a timeline of events based on Guillet’s arrest warrant affidavit.

Here is Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers comment:

“This action was the correct one for the courts to take. The punishment must fit the crime and Mrs. Guillet deserves to serve her entire sentence in prison for the crime she committed against the taxpayers of Oxford. Mr. Temple is incorrect in stating that she was allowed to remain in her office once she admitted to taking the $3,600. When the accusation was first made, the town was prudent in collecting all the necessary information to prove that the accusation was indeed correct. This was done without Mrs Guillet’s knowledge. Once confronted, she admitted to taking that money, and was immediately relieved of her keys and escorted from the town hall. At this point the investigation was turned over to the Connecticut State Police Crime Unit and the town cooperated fully in providing the necessary information which lead to her arrest and conviction. Her actions caused the greatest scandal the town has known and it is simply not time for her to reenter our community.”

And here is George Temple’s response:

Karen Guillet’s timeline according to the arrest warrant.

Nov. 19, 2009 Sharon Scinto (asst. at the time) discovers theft…it is witnessed by Joyce Eades, of the assessor’s office.

Dec. 1, 2009 George Temple notifies Fran Teodosio his client discovered the theft and also approached MaryAnn Drayton Rogers about the theft.

Shortly after ( no date in arrest warrant) MaryAnn and Fran told Guillet there would be a meeting and she should bring representation. After she was told about the meeting she started cleaning out her desk and was seen throwing papers away.

Jan. 13, 2010,42 days after the town was notified of the thefts, Maryann finally calls a meeting with Karen. She admits to taking some money and was placed on paid sick leave and escorted from the building.

Jan. 19, 2010 State police meet with Fran and begin an investigation. They discovered that while the town allowed Karen to stay in her office two dumpster pickups had taken place, thus they could not see what was thrown out by Karen.

Nov. 23, 2011 Arrest warrant signed

Nov. 30, 2011 Karen arrested

On Feb. 2, 2010 Karen told Maryann her resignation was forthcoming, but it was not until June 22, 2010 that Karen resigns.

(According to the arrest warrant)

What do you think?