The arraignment hearing for Dawndee and Kenneth Rossy scheduled for October 15th was continued to October 22nd. Earlier, the couple were held to answer on nearly 60 charges at a preliminary hearing.
Those charges include embezzlement of public funds, identity theft, conspiracy, filing false or no tax returns, and forgery. The original complaint filed by the District Attorney revealed an alleged pattern of filing for welfare benefits and getting cash with Electronic Benefit Cards. The alleged amount embezzled adds up to $1.5 million, according to the complaint.
District Attorney Tom Hardy said that both Inyo judges were disqualified from hearing the Rossy case and a visiting judge was not available this week, causing the continuance of the arraignment to October 22nd. DA Hardy also said that a charging document following the preliminary hearing has been filed and alleges a total of 213 felony counts on the two defendants.
DA Hardy said the new counts all arise from evidence received at the preliminary hearing and set forth additional specific charges alleged to have occurred during the time period from 2005 through January, 2013. Hardy said, “Primarily, the new charges allege the filing of false documents in public files as part of the alleged scheme.” Hardy also said that independently, Dawndee Rossy was cited for driving under the influence with the arraignment in that case to also proceed on October 22nd.
The Rossys had initially made bail but are being monitored via GPS ankle bracelets. At the Inyo Supervisors’ meeting this week, DA Hardy offered a brief update on the Rossy case. He was asked about the possibility of a settlement in the case. He said, “Settlement talks are always available. We have had no successful talks so far.” Hardy said settlement discussions are a routine part of a case. He also said his office is taking this case very seriously.
The District Attorney added later this week that there are no active settlement discussions right now, which he said is typical for any case after a preliminary hearing and before arraignment. He said his office is proceeding on the basis that the case will go to trial. However, future settlement conferences will be scheduled.
Do you know what happened on the 22nd?
According to DA Tom Hardy, “The case was continued to this coming Tuesday, November 5 for further arraignment on the Information. Mr. Harvey, who has been representing both defendants, stated in court that Ms. Dawndee Rossy was retaining new counsel and the continuance was for the purpose of giving her… Read more »
Thanks
It always fascinates me when people want to shift the blame away from where it belongs. Why not let the crooks take FULL responsibility?
Why didn’t the auditor catch this years ago, and why did the auditor transfer to Mono County right before the Rossys where charged. And what about Jean Turner who wants to take full responsibility
Health and Human Services Director Jean Turner and former Auditor Leslie Chapman both said that the embezzled funds had never gone through the County General Fund or County Treasury. Ms. Turner has said she can’t comment much due to concern about jeopardizing the DA’s case. She had said there were… Read more »
Shouldn’t a DUI be considered a violation of terms and conditions of bail release? Just a thought – wondering why she’s still at liberty.
Thank you DA Hardy for letting the public know what is going on regarding this case.
I wonder if Kenneth Rossy still planning on getting a job in Nevada.