Rhonda Sue Ackerman faces prison time, paying restitution following AG prosecution
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that former Spokane County worker Rhonda Sue Ackerman has pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree theft. Ackerman was employed as a liability claims technician and stole $1.38 million over the course of a decade from Spokane County by filing fake claims.
Ackerman filed fake claims on behalf of 45 different claimants and requested claim payments from her office. She then directed the claimants, many of whom were relatives or friends of her son, to cash the checks and deliver the bulk of the funds back to Ackerman. According to the state’s charging documents, Ackerman spent the money on frequent gambling, new cars and lavish gifts.
The Attorney General’s Office recommends that the court sentence Ackerman to one year and one day of prison, restitution of $1.38 million and the mandatory $500 victim penalty assessment. A judge will determine the sentence at a sentencing hearing on Jan. 4.
“My prosecutors and I are committed to holding those who engage in public corruption accountable,” Ferguson said. “These prosecutions protect taxpayers and preserve the public trust.”
Case background
Ackerman was arraigned in October of 2021 for the theft charge. Her fraud scheme was discovered when the County Auditor’s Office found an uncashed check for $8,963.45. The check prompted an internal investigation and a follow-up investigation by the...
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