Local business granted a large judgment in Defiance County Common Pleas Court

A local business has been granted a large judgment in Defiance County Common Pleas Court against a former employee convicted of stealing company funds. Werlor Waste Control on Ralston Ave., was granted a $228,000 plus interest judgment against Lori McKenzie, 335 Carter Ave.Central Mutual Insurance, also a plaintiff, was granted a $150,000 judgment plus interest against McKenzie. She had pleaded guilty to aggravated theft, a fourth-degree felony, on March 23 and was placed on community control for five years during her sentencing on May 19 in common pleas court. As part of the plea negotiations, she also was ordered to make restitution of $126,000 for funds she stole from Werlor while employed there from 2011-15. However, the civil suit filed several days after McKenzie’s conviction asked for a judgment of $378,000 as well as interest and costs.