Ex-deputy clerk allegedly stole $139K

Kootenai County’s former chief deputy clerk is suspected of embezzling $138,905 over a 10-year period ending in October, a Coeur d’Alene Police Department spokesman said this morning. Sandy Martinson, 62, has not been charged or arrested, said Sgt. Christie Wood with the Coeur d’Alene Police. However, Wood said, a charging decision is pending with the Bonner County prosecutor’s office, which is handling the case because Martinson worked for Kootenai County. Police interviewed Martinson on Monday, but sent the formal complaint request to Bonner County more than a week ago, Wood said. On Tuesday afternoon, the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners held a news conference with county Clerk Dan English to release limited details of the investigation. English said upon Martinson’s retirement last month, a routine review of her records revealed irregularities that led the county to suspect a long-term pattern of embezzlement. English said he immediately met with Kootenai County prosecutor Barry McHugh, who in turn notified the proper authorities.