The mayor of Webbers Falls submitted a letter announcing her resignation Dec. 31 and all but one board of trustees member is facing embezzlement charges.

The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees voted 3 to 2 on July 21 for Horne to remain as the town’s mayor. Now with her recent resignation the town has no mayor and only one trustee member who are not facing embezzlement charges, which may jeopardize their positions.

As of now, members include Robert Ogg, Henry Tipken, Loren Dwyer, and newly-appointed member Fred Hefley.

Larry Moore, Muskogee County district attorney filed charges Tuesday against two current and six former Webber Falls trustees for allegedly embezzling a total of $264,709.99.

The break down totals for the amount allegedly embezzled for each individual is Loren Dwyer (current trustee) with two counts for a total of $3,730.60 and Henry Tipken who is charged with three counts for a total of $14,319.91.

Dennis Berton, who resigned on Dec. 31, is being charged with one count of embezzling $3,300. Dennis Berton’s wife, Laveda Berton, said she is very upset about the charges filed against her husband.

“When he went into the position, he was told everything was legal. He has done nothing but try to help the town get on track and he’s getting slammed for it. He has not done anything wrong.”

Laveda Berton said nearly all of the money he received went back into the town.

“We would help with the purchase of different things. For Thanksgiving several of us bought entire dinners for five families who unfortunately couldn’t afford to buy for themselves,” Laveda said. “We’ve tried to help. That’s all.”

Former trustees are Richard Cude, who faces six counts that total $35,076.04; Larry E. Chappell, faces six counts for a total of $35,546.75; Johnny Paul Pollard, faces 12 counts totaling $97,939.31; Stanley Cowan with two counts equaling $42,950; and Matt Lyle Myers with five counts equaling $31,847.38. Myers resigned his post in May 2009 after serving two years as vice mayor.

Mayor Jewel Horne was charged Dec. 10 with 15 felony counts of embezzling $229,460. Horne has served as town trustee, city manager, water administrator, gas administrator and even police commissioner over the last 20 years.

Moore said if convicted, Horne could face up to 15 years in the Department of Corrections and a fine that triples the amount of money allegedly embezzled. Horne’s arraignment was Thursday and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 16 in Muskogee County District Court.

Moore said, “We don’t relish or enjoy discovering things like this. I’m charged by the people to enforce the law and I will enforce it. It’s very unfortunate when something like this is discovered.”