Christine Joan Durlam, 52, of Jefferson was sentenced Aug 17 in Greene County district court to a pair of 10-year prison terms and ordered to pay $13,846.62 restitution to Bristol Township for defrauding the township while her husband Justin was a township clerk.
According to court documents, an investigation of Bristol Township finances was initiated in July 2019 at the request of county sheriff Jack Williams, who is also Jefferson fire chief. The township was $15,107.70 behind in paying the city of Jefferson for fire protection services and for the firetruck set-aside. The township had been in arrears since February 2014. Allen contacted Bristol Township trustee Kelly Rice, who provided bank records to Allen. Allen noticed several checks signed by township clerk Justin Durlam and written to Christine Durlam for mowing, tree removal, snow removal, rock, and skid loader rental. The checks totaled $35,708.62. Of that, $6,802 was for mowing.
Two days after Allen began his investigation, the Durlams deposited $15,060 in cash into the township checking account. Justin Durlam then wrote a check to the city of Jefferson for $15,000.
The affidavit in the case notes the total amount Christine Durlam received, the amount earned by mowing, and $15,060 as “paid back” to the township, leaving a “balance due” of $13,846.62.
Deputy Allen wrote in his affidavit that he spoke with Justin Durlam on Aug. 1. “Justin advised he knew Christine was writing checks on the Bristol Township account for a couple of years. Justin said he tried hiding the check book but it did not help.”
Christine Durlam was charged Aug. 30, 2019, with theft- first degree, identity theft, and fraudulent practice- third degree.
She pleaded guilty to fraudulent practice- third degree in January and sentencing was set for March 16. She was ultimately sentenced on all three charges.
On the charge of theft- first degree, Durlam was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined $1,000 with a $150 surcharge. On the charge of identity theft, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison (concurrent) and fined $1,000 with a $150 surcharge. On the charge of fraudulent practices, she was sentenced to two years in prison (concurrent) and fined $625 with a $93.75 surcharge.
The prison terms were suspended and she was placed on probation to the Iowa Department of Correctional Services for two years. She must undergo a substance abuse evaluation and complete any recommended treatment at her own expense.
Durlam must pay $100 court costs and up to $1,000 in court appointed attorney’s fees in addition to the restitution to Bristol Township. (Sentencing: Honorable Adria A. Kester)
