Elkhorn City’s former City Attorney has pleaded guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and making false statements in a tax return.

 

Timothy Belcher pleaded guilty to one count of each charge in federal court this past Thursday.

 

In his plea agreement, Belcher admits to taking money from an $816,000 insurance settlement, which had been placed in escrow for the children of a man who had been killed in a crash. He also admitted to using that money for both personal and business-related expenses, including mortgages, insurance, vacations, cell phones, and food among other personal expenditures. The charge regarding a false statement stems from his failure to include the embezzled money as income on his tax return.

 

As part of his plea agreement, Belcher has also agreed to pay back the $816,000 to the children, as well as another $51,000 towards the IRS. The plea deal has been accepted by a US magistrate judge, who has recommended acceptance from a district judge. That decision will come after all parties have had a chance to file any objections.