Indicted for embezzlement of law enforcement grants
In addition to 20 state felony charges of misuse of public funds, Jason Llewelyn is now facing a federal indictment for embezzlement of federally-funded program money. According to information provided by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Salt Lake City, a grand jury returned the one-count indictment Tuesday afternoon.
Llewelyn had been Director of Emergency Operations for the county. The indictment alleges that between August 2010 and September 2014, he used his position to misappropriate funds from Department of Homeland Security grants and “purchased hundreds of items with Carbon County funds for his houseboat, armory, aircraft and other personal interests.” It is alleged that the amount exceeds $5,000.
The charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years prison and a fine up to $250,000.
The U.S. Attorney stated that Llewelyn is considered innocent until proven guilty. A grand jury indictment is not a finding of guilt. The U. S. Attorney’s Office and FBI are investigating.
Llewelyn, 45, is still a city council member in Helper and has been appearing at regular council meetings. He was recently defeated in a bid for reelection and will leave office when his term expires Dec. 31.
His preliminary hearing on the state charges is scheduled for Nov. 20 in Seventh Judicial District Court in Price.