Sherburne County (trfnews.i234.me) Three former city employees are accused of stealing nearly $200,000 in public funds. Prosecutors say the theft involved unauthorized credit card spending and false payroll claims.
According to Sherburne County prosecutors, the defendants are former city clerk Kari Koren, former public works director Dustin Luhning, and former firefighter Chad Koren. All three allegedly used city credit cards for personal purchases. They also claimed pay for hours they did not work.
Investigators say the scheme happened from late 2022 into 2023. The losses totaled close to $200,000. The spending involved multiple transactions and repeated payroll entries over several months.
After an internal review, city officials contacted law enforcement. A full investigation followed. Financial records, payroll reports, and credit card logs were reviewed by investigators. The findings were then turned over to the county attorney’s office.
All three defendants are now charged with one felony count of theft and embezzlement of public funds. Court dates will be scheduled as the case moves forward.
More information on Minnesota court cases can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
