ANSON, Maine — The tax collector in this Somerset County town has resigned, after the organization that insures the town said it wouldn't insure money that she handled.
Claudia Viles has been indicted on 13 tax fraud charges at the town office, and the Maine Municipal Association's decision means she can't legally handle money for the town.
Anson Board of Selectmen Chair Arnold Luce says the town found out last Tuesday that Viles wouldn't be insured.
"So we sent her a letter saying she'd have to find bonding somewhere to continue to handle money," he says. "She resigned on Thursday."
The charges came after an investigation by the Maine attorney general's office of about $438,000 of missing money from excise taxes.
Viles' attorney Walter McKee says the association's decision is "unfortunate," because it presumes guilt.
Viles plans to enter a not guilty plea to the charges.