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The 46-year-old director of the Hardin County Solid Waste Commission has been charged with first degree theft by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Mary Ellen Taylor, an Iowa Falls resident, was charged following an investigation that was prompted by an audit by the Office of the State Auditor. According to official documents (PDF), the audit, which covered a five-year time span, indicated Taylor was responsible for more than $127,000 of un-deposited collections and improper and unsupported disbursements. Taylor, an employee of the commission for more than 10 years, was fired in mid-December after audit findings were reported.

First degree theft is a class 'C' felony. Taylor turned herself into authorities this morning and is currently being held in the Hardin County Jail pending a preliminary court appearance.