The city of Columbus is investigating and seeking to recover public funds after a former police officer’s widow continued to receive pension payments after her death, according to court records.
The city has filed a petition to look into pension payments made to Camzy Mae Thomas after her death in May 2024. Thomas was the widow of former Columbus police officer and former Columbus Township Trustee Jack Whittington, who died in 1987.
The petition states that her pension payments continued to be deposited into a First Financial Bank account after her death.
Court filings do not specify the total amount deposited into the account after her death, but the timeline suggests the payments may have continued for around one year.
“The city seeks to investigate the financial transactions and account activity to determine the location and recipients of the pension payments and to preserve its right to recover overpayments made from public funds,” according to the petition.
Bartholomew Superior Court 1 Judge James Worton recused himself from the case. Bartholomew Superior Court 2 Judge Jon Rohde has been appointed special judge.
The petition states that the city plans to serve subpoenas to financial institutions for documents, account records and/or statements to identify the location, recipients and disposition of the funds.
Court records indicate that the city has already served First Financial Bank with a subpoena.
“Upon review of this information, the city will assess whether additional legal action, including the opening of a formal estate, is warranted,” the petition states.
Whittington died in 1987 after suffering a heart attack, The Republic reported at the time. He served 24 years at the Columbus Police Department, reaching the rank of lieutenant.
He served as director of public relations for the department and coordinated safety programming to elementary school students, as well as programs for civic and industrial organizations.
After his retirement, Whittington operated an investigative agency and was elected Columbus Township trustee as a Democrat in 1982 but retired due to poor health three years later.
Thomas was designated as Whittington’s surviving beneficiary and had continued to receive pension payments under the survivor benefit provision, according to the petition.
Claims made in filing a lawsuit represent only one side of the case and may be contested in later court action.
