The criminal case of Anson’s former tax collector is being delayed after the state prosecutor in the case asked last week to reschedule a court appearance originally set to take place Wednesday.
Assistant Attorney General Leanne Robbin filed a motion last week in Somerset County Superior Court, asking to have the dispositional conference rescheduled because she would not be available, according to court records.
Claudia Viles, the former Anson tax collector, is charged with 13 counts of tax-related fraud in connection with $438,712 missing from the Anson Town Office.
The court date was rescheduled for 1:30 p.m. Jan. 16 in Somerset County Superior Court in Skowhegan.
Walt McKee, Viles’ attorney, agreed to reschedule the hearing. He had asked the court previously to reschedule an October hearing because of the volume of information in the case and the amount of time required for preparation.
McKee also said that “given the volume and nature of discovery in this case,” he would not be ready to discuss a potential settlement in December, the court records said. In an email Tuesday, McKee said it has not been determined whether the case will go to trial or will be settled.
“We are continuing to conduct our investigation and forensic review,” he said.
In addition to the criminal case against Viles, the town of Anson has a pending lawsuit against her. At McKee’s request, that suit is on hold until after the criminal case is concluded. The town is seeking in the lawsuit recovery of the more than $400,000 she is alleged to have stolen.
Rachel Ohm — 612-2368
Twitter: @rachel_ohm
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