Former Treasurer Mark Paschall Indicted in Jeffco

02/25/2007 - GOLDEN, Colo. - A former Jefferson County Treasurer has been indicted by the Jefferson County Grand Jury for the alleged solicitation of a "kickback" from an employee.

  Mark S. Paschall, 52, of Arvada, has been charged with one count of Attempted Felony Theft, a class five felony, and one count of Compensation for Past Official Behavior, a class six felony.

  Paschall was the elected Jefferson County Treasurer from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2006. The indictment alleges that, as his term was drawing to a close in late December, Paschall submitted documents that would have led to the payment of an after-tax bonus of $18,000 in public funds to a specific employee. That amount was far larger than the bonus payments offered to other employees in his office.

  According to the indictment, Paschall secretly requested that the employee "split" the bonus money with him, even though the compensation of all elected county officials is set by law. The employee instead notified the County Commissioners, who in turn contacted the District Attorney. The bonus was never paid.

  Paschall was replaced as Treasurer on January 1 by fellow Republican Faye Griffin, who defeated him in the August 2006 primary. No information received by the District Attorney has implicated any other person in the alleged kickback scheme.

  Jefferson County DA Scott Storey said that, "These are serious allegations, and Mr. Paschall must be treated as we would any other citizen."

  Paschall has been instructed to surrender himself for the posting of a $1,000 bond. His first appearance date has not yet been set.