GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A former Brown County employee who sold computers bought by taxpayers but then kept the money for himself would pay $1,112,581.84 in restitution under a tentative plan discussed in court Friday.
Kevin Raye, 55, is serving a 10-year prison after being convicted of seven counts of theft of movable property and one count of misconduct in office.
Although he was sentenced in March, the details of restitution were not discussed until a hearing Friday.
Raye would owe Brown County $247,634.17, and an insurance company $864,947.67.
Raye, who appeared by phone from the Oshkosh Correctional Institution, testified he does not have the ability to pay back the entire amount. He does have $135,000 set aside to begin paying restitution. It likely would go to the insurance company, but that is not finalized.
Raye is receiving a monthly check from the state retirement system but the parties could not agree on how much of it should be applied to restitution. Legal arguments will be filed before a final order is entered.
According to the criminal complaint, Raye worked in the technology services department. Items were purchased by the county but shipped elsewhere, including a college in Texas.
“Raye stated that every single penny he received from Rhino Technology Group was from stolen merchandise from Brown County. Raye stated he used the money received from selling this stolen merchandise to cost of living things, including a John Deere tractor, property, gold and silver coins, and stock market trading. Raye estimated that he received about $300,000 from Brown County merchandise he sold to Rhino Technology Group,” the complaint states.
Raye apologized during his sentencing in March.
