FORMER STATE EMPLOYEE CHARGED WITH STEALING MONEY

Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr. announced today the indictment of Edward Allen Schwarz, of 225 Bright Oaks Drive, Bel Air, Maryland by the Baltimore County Grand Jury. Schwarz, 55, was indicted on six counts of felony theft and six counts of fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary in connection with his responsibilities as the Equipment Officer for the Maryland Transportation Authority. It is alleged that between October 28, 1997 and March 30, 1999, Schwarz stole monies from his employer, totaling approximately $12,000, and converted the monies to his own personal and business use.

While an indictment or charge is merely an accusation of wrongdoing and every individual is presumed innocent unless the State proves the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, felony theft, if proved, carries a maximum penalty of 15 years and up to a $1,000.00 fine for each count. Fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary, if proved, carries a maximum penalty of 5 years.

The case was investigated by the Maryland State Police and will be prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Investigations Division.

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