The Gretna city attorney says a theft allegation played a role in the council's decision to fire Coleen Lawry
(A-P)
The council voted Tuesday to dismiss the 49-year-old Lawry. She was arrested later on theft allegations that were not related to questions raised by the state auditor about city finances and her spending.
City attorney John Green said Wednesday that the city learned Tuesday that Lawry was accused of taking about $800 from the Gretna Senior Citizens Center.
Green says Lawry explained that her use of the center's debit card was a mistake. According to Green, Lawry said that once she learned of her error, she had the purchases transferred to her personal bank debit card.
Lawry remained in custody on Wednesday.
