By Deb Murphy

Nearly three years after her arrest on embezzlement charges, Dawndee Rossy will go to trial this Monday at the Independence Court House.

Dawndee Rossy

Dawndee Rossy

Dawndee and Kenneth Rossy were arrested on 44 felony charges April 11, 2013 but opted to be tried separately. Dawndee Rossy, represented by David Evans, also waived her right to a jury trial. Appointed Judge Phillip Argento will hear the case.

The primary charge is embezzlement of $1.5 million from Inyo County Department of Health and Human Services where Rossy was employed.

According to District Attorney Tom Hardy, the first day of trial will primarily be organizational and pre-trial motions. The real work of trying the case will start Tuesday.

A court trial “is the same process as a jury trial,” Hardy said. “It’s a little more relaxed pace.” But the presumed innocent until proven guilty and reasonable doubt criterion are the same.

He went on to describe the case as complex. “It’s going to be a difficult trial. The evidence is detailed and tedious.”

Discover more from Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading