Senior citizen center bouncing back after former transportation director arrested for theft of $20K

Former Director of Transportation for Groesbeck Senior Citizen’s Center Joni Fisler, of Teague, will soon see her day in court for stealing more than $20,000 dollars from the organization last year. In September of 2019, Detective Autumn Cox of Groesbeck Police Department began investigating unauthorized purchases and ATM withdrawals by Fisler at the request of Sara Rodriguez, a member of the Board of Directors for Senior Citizens of Limestone County, who was searching for opportunities to serve more seniors when she noticed discrepancies in the organization’s finances.

“When the board gathered, she’d give us a report,” Rodriguez explained of Fisler. “Things started to change and she began to not show up as often, and that is when we were able to actually go in and go through things which she normally handled.”

Rodriguez provided Cox with bank statements and concerns, which Cox investigated and followed up on by speaking to other board members before contacting Fisler personally.

“I was informed that she [Fisler] was the only person with access to that debit card, and there were purchases for a cell phone, a laptop and a tablet,” Cox said, listing additional withdrawals in the amounts of hundreds of dollars over short periods of time. “I estimated the transactions from Incommons Bank were about $18,217. And then the additional debit transactions the automatic ones for AT&T were over $2,000.”

Expenditures, travel, and ATM withdrawals made all over the county totaled $20,400; none of which had been approved by the Board of Directors. Cox spoke to Fisler on the phone on multiple occasions and asked her to come in for a meeting, which Fisler agreed to do but never acted on or followed through with.

After Cox presented the case to the District Attorney and was granted a warrant, Fisler was arrested on February 21, 2020, for Theft of Property $2,500 to $30,000 Enhanced from Nonprofit/Elderly, by Sergeant Josh Bell and Detective Cox with Teague Police Department assisting. Though Fisler has yet to be convicted, Cox is proud of their work in stopping such malicious behavior.

“To me, it was really important for us to get the person responsible, and kind of get closure and justice for the senior citizens that were affected by this,” Cox said. “It just breaks my heart thinking that [Fisler] took food out of these elderly people’s mouths, so more than anything, I’m glad that we were able to stop what was happening.”

Cox’s sentiments were shared by all involved parties, including Police Chief Chris Henson.

“The acts committed by Ms. Fisler were certainly a disservice to those who depend on the organization and a slap in the face to the Board who trusted her with that responsibility,” Henson said. “Detective Cox conducted a thorough and professional investigation which is a testament to her abilities and dedication. I have no doubt her work will aid in holding Ms. Fisler accountable for her actions.”

Though Fisler’s court date is unknown and has likely been affected or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those close to the situation continue to hope that she will pay for her crime.

“We hate that happened, sometimes things slip by, but we hope that justice will be served here and that she will be able to make restitution,” said Board President John McCarver. “We operate on those funds to support the senior citizen's organizations of Limestone County. The main thing is to make sure these people get something to eat and give them a little bit of activity, give ‘em a reason to live. Things are back on the right track now.”

While Fisler’s activity was under investigation, Glenda O’Neal of Kosse took over as the Director of Transportation for Groesbeck SCC, and she has been handling operations ever since. Rodriguez couldn’t be more pleased with the improvement the organization has seen under O’Neal’s watchful eye.

“I feel very blessed and privileged that we were able to have someone like Mrs. Glenda step up and take this position; she is very well respected and well-liked, professional, and she can relate to the senior citizens of Limestone County,” Rodriguez said. “We were at a standstill, unable to provide services to more homebound, but thanks to Mrs. Glenda we have been able to add 12 people to our list of recipients for Meals on Wheels.”

Rodriguez chooses to see this situation as an opportunity for improvement in serving the elderly, and a call for the community and county as a whole to look out for the many seniors in need.

“We need to create awareness, especially in these times with the COVID-19 going on, and I would strongly encourage all of Limestone County to step up and check on your neighbor,” Rodriguez said. “Pick a senior citizen close to you and check on ‘em, keep an eye on ‘em.”

In addition to the Meals on Wheels services provided by the Groesbeck Senior Citizens Center, congregate meals are offered during the week at various centers in the county. Rodriguez expressed that the need for people to volunteer “in any way, shape or form” is great-be it lawn care and mowing services, technology and social media help for senior citizens or the organization itself, the list of potential assistance opportunities is endless.

To volunteer your time or services to help Limestone County Senior Citizens, call the Groesbeck Senior Citizen Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 254-729-5123, or stop by at 510 W. State St. in Groesbeck.

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Groesbeck Journal

P.O. Box 440
Groesbeck, TX 76642
Phone: 254-729-5103
Fax: 254-729-0362