A former Hilliard city employee has pleaded guilty to felony charges in connection to stolen admission fees collected at two city aquatic facilities.

A former Hilliard city employee has pleaded guilty to felony charges in connection to stolen admission fees collected at two city aquatic facilities.

Heather Ernst, former Deputy Director of Recreation and Parks, entered a guilty plea in a Franklin County courtroom Wednesday to theft in office and attempted tampering with records.

Charges against Ernst resulted from an investigation by the Hilliard Division of Police that determined she stole more than $540,000 in cash from the city’s two aquatic centers over a five-year period.

Ernst resigned from the city on Nov. 1, 2017 shortly after the criminal theft investigation was initiated by police. In March of this year, Ernst was indicted on one count of theft, a third-degree felony; one count of theft in office, a third-degree felony; two counts of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; and four counts of filing incomplete, false and fraudulent tax records, a fifth-degree felony.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 16.

Statement by Hilliard City Council:

“Hilliard City Council is pleased that the former City of Hilliard Deputy Director of Recreation and Parks, Heather Ernst, accepted responsibility for her actions by pleading guilty today to two felonies – theft in office and attempted tampering with records. At her sentencing hearing later this year, the Council will ask the Court for full restitution of all stolen funds.

“Ernst’s admission of stealing from Hilliard’s taxpayers is the first major step towards holding her accountable for her theft in office and her betrayal of the public trust. The Council will continue to pursue full repayment of every dollar stolen.