Delta, UT — A Delta-area water board official has been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of water shares into her own accounts since 2022. Amie Sue Johnson, a 49-year-old secretary and treasurer for four local water boards including Delta, Melville, Deseret, and Abraham, faces 15 second-degree felony charges.
The probable cause statement filed by Millard County sheriff’s investigators alleges that Johnson moved up to $226,729 worth of water shares into her own accounts. She is accused of renting these transferred shares to unsuspecting third-party users while profiting from the transactions herself. The investigation suggests that board members had noticed significant and increasing volumes of water being transferred into accounts controlled by Johnson over multiple years.
Johnson was confronted about the suspicious transfers on June 2, but she did not deny the accusations when questioned directly regarding whether her actions constituted theft or fraud. She reportedly stated, “No, there’s not,” in response to a query asking if there was a good explanation for the transfers and confirmed that account holders were unaware of these transactions.
The suspect exercised her right to an attorney during questioning at Delta's MCSO substation before being arrested on three second-degree felony charges initially. She posted $10,000 bail and is represented by public defender Cleve Burns in court proceedings. Johnson’s next appearance in district court is scheduled for July 1.
The investigation continues as investigators review records dating back to 2015, indicating potential additional charges could be filed against her. The water shares involved primarily belong to Deseret water users who are grappling with severe drought conditions impacting their livelihoods.
This case highlights the critical importance of oversight and accountability within local governance structures responsible for managing essential resources like water in rural communities facing environmental challenges such as prolonged drought.