Packo's accountant: nearly $90,000 in reimbursements not properly reported

Tony Packo III and Cathleen Dooley listen to testimony as attorneys for Ms. Dooley Mark Jacobs, back left, and Rick Kerger, back right, confer in Judge Frederick McDonald's Lucas County Common Pleas courtroom.

An accountant for the Tony Packo’s company testified in Lucas County Common Pleas Court Wednesday that financial records showed thousands of dollars worth of payments to Tony Packo III – purportedly for travel reimbursements – were not reported anywhere as part of his income.

Marcia Veres-Sutton, a certified public accountant for Sobb/Roberts, Inc., testified that her firm was responsible for financial reviews of the Tony Packo’s company. She responded to questions posed about checks totaling nearly $90,000 that although they were purported to be for travel, there were no indication in payroll records that supported the amounts.

Mr. Packo, 39, the grandson of the company’s founder, and Cathleen Dooley, 47, the company’s controller each are charged with aggravated theft for allegedly stealing about $170,000 from the company over a four-period.

The allegations surround money allegedly stolen by Mr. Packo, including the taking of cash from parking proceeds at the company’s ballpark location and payment advancements. Ms. Dooley is accused of helping to facilitate the alleged thefts.

Ms. Sutton further testified that she was at meetings in early 2010 where concerns of financial expenditures were raised by Robin Horvath, Mr. Packo’s cousin and a shareholder in the company. Ms. Sutton said the meetings resulted in two recommendations by her firm that expenditures were not company related, namely a shower door for Mr. Packo’s home and a roof for the home of Mr. Packo’s mother.

Ms. Sutton noted when questioned by the defense that none of the transactions or checks were hidden or done in secret but instead all recorded in some fashion.

Ms. Sutton was the 17th witness called by prosecutors in the case. Also testifying Wednesday was attorney Kevin Devaney, a corporate attorney who represents the business interests of Mr. Packo and his father, Tony Packo, Jr.

Additional witnesses are expected to testify when the trial resumes with Judge Frederick McDonald presiding.