Trial begins for
Ohio man accused of stealing AIDS funds

The trial of a former Canton, Ohio, health department employee accused of stealing $50,000 in HIV/AIDS funds began this week, The [Canton] Repository reports. Thomas E. Wingert, the former administrator of a grant that funds the health department's HIV education and outreach programs, is accused of using phony invoices and improper billing procedures to divert $50,000 of department funds to his personal checking account. Wingert, who was fired from his job in February, is charged with theft in office and unlawful interest in a public contract, both of which are felonies. If convicted of both counts, he faces a maximum 6 1/2 year prison sentence. (Advocate.com)