Man Faces Charges in $22,000 Mabton City Theft Case

A 26-year-old man is facing charges of second-degree robbery and first-degree theft after authorities say he stole $22,000 from the city of Mabton. Benjamin Moreno was in court on Monday in connection to the theft in June of last year.

POLICE SAY THE THEFT HAPPENED IN JUNE OF 2024

Officials at the Washington State Auditor’s Office say the money was stolen on June 17 of 2024 when the Mabton Deputy Clerk told police she was robbed of a city daily bank deposit while in the Mabton City Hall parking lot. Police in Mabton, through the use of security cameras, were able to identify Moreno as the suspect.

Zoonar RF

MORENO IS NOW OUT OF JAIL

The auditor's office says Moreno was the brother of the city Deputy Clerk. Moreno was arrested in early May on a bench warrant after failing to appear in court. He was released from jail after posting bail of $5,000.

THE CITY DEPUTY CLERK WAS FIRED BUT NOT CHARGED WITH A CRIME

Deputy Clerk Yuliana Morales, who was terminated from her job on January 8 wasn't charged in the crime because of a lack of evidence. The auditors office says she denied any involvement in the theft.

Canva

THE CITY WAS ABLE TO RECOVER SOME OF THE CASH

As the courts dealt with the criminal aspect the city was able to recover $9,239 in returned checks but the city lost $13,402 in cash.
The city has since made changes to make sure the incident never happens again with Officers from the Mabton Police Department now in charge of making sure deposits make it to the bank securely.

LOOK: Here are 25 ways you could start saving money today

These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]

Gallery Credit: Bethany Adams