Charges filed in embezzlement from Ind. development group

NEW CASTLE, Ind. — Prosecutors have charged the former associate director of an eastern Indiana economic development group with a $150,000 embezzlement that has threatened the agency’s future.

Thirty-two-year-old Troy Collier of Muncie faces felony theft and other charges stemming from the money taken from the New Castle-based Eastern Indiana Development District. Police say he stole the money during 2008-2010 through credit card misuse and withdrawals from the agency’s checking account.

The district receives money from state contracts and fees from Henry, Randolph, Rush, Union and Wayne counties.

District director Nancy Kinder tells the Palladium-Item that she’s pleased the investigation is complete and that the agency is moving “full speed ahead.”

Collier was being held in the Henry County Jail. Court records didn’t list an attorney for him on Friday.