WALTON, Kentucky — A northern Kentucky mayor who was indicted on a charge of abusing public trust has resigned from office.
Philip Trzop (TER'-zop) was charged with the count last year, shortly after taking office, in relation to his former job as general manager of the Boone County Water District.
Police said they arrested Trzop on Nov. 16 after he scrapped metal from the utility and allegedly kept some and gave some to employees as Christmas bonuses. Police say about $34,000 worth of metal was scrapped, but only $24,000 has been accounted for. He has pleaded not guilty.
The Kentucky Enquirer (http://bit.ly/10F6XUW) reports Trzop submitted a letter of resignation on Monday to the City Council, which was read by Councilman Michael Wood.
"We always tried to do what was best for the city of Walton and its citizens. City council and city employees, I will always be willing to help you if you need it. To attend to personal issues, I must give up the office of mayor," the letter said.
Trzop did not attend the meeting.
City attorney Timothy Noyes said the council has 30 days to appoint someone else, and the panel said it would accept letters from interested citizens until May 20.
"It's a sad time that Phil has to step down or decided to step down," Wood said. "Hopefully he'll stay involved with the community."
Information from: The Kentucky Enquirer, http://www.nky.com
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