Former Uniontown treasurer sentenced to up to 10 years behind bars for theft
The former treasurer of Uniontown was sentenced to 21 months to 10 years in prison on Tuesday for stealing more than $100,000 from city taxpayers.
Fayette County President Judge Steve P. Leskinen acknowledged that Antoinette Louise Hodge’s actions were “motivated by gambling,” but emphasized that the former elected official ultimately abused her power when she stole $106,750 in tax payments between 2020 and 2021.
“This crime is alleged to have occurred over a period of nearly two years. There had to have been at least dozens of instances where she consciously made the choice to take money that did not belong to her,” Leskinen said. “It belonged to the public, to the city of Uniontown and to the taxpayers.”
Hodge, 55, of Uniontown was indicted by a statewide grand jury in December 2022 and was found guilty of six charges including theft, perjury and obstruction of justice in November.
“It was her duty to protect the citizens of the city, not to abuse her position,” Leskinen said.
The judge also ordered Hodge to pay $220,219.56 in restitution, including $106,750 for stolen city funds and $113,469.56, which was the cost of a forensic audit to determine how much money had been taken.
When Hodge is released from prison and on parole, Leskinen barred her from engaging in any gambling-related activities, including visiting casinos or buying scratch off tickets.
Prosecutors contended Hodge used the stolen funds for gambling and vacations.
Hodge’s brother and sister both asked Leskinen for leniency on their sister’s behalf.
Reese Hodge said his sister is a good person who is responsible for taking care of their 80-year-old mother.
“I ask you to please show some sympathy for my sister. This is hard for everybody. … My sister has never been in trouble before, and she’s never really meant to hurt her family or her community,” he said.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry challenged the plea for leniency.
“She had no regard for her job, she had no regard for her duty to the citizens, and quite frankly during the criminal acts is when she should have been thinking about her elderly mother,” Lowry said.
Antoinette Hodge did not address the court herself before she was sentenced. Her attorney, Assistant Public Defender Ethan Carter, explained that was because Hodge has a pending criminal trial.
In that case, she faces additional charges for allegedly stealing $112,484 from the Youghiogheny Western Baptist Association, which has 27 churches, including some in Fayette and Greene counties. Hodge was the board chairperson and oversaw the YWBA’s bank accounts. Police contend she failed to pay bills or real estate taxes, leaving the YWBA dependent upon help from other religious organizations.
Carter filed a motion to dismiss that case. A decision on the motion is still pending.