A Butler judge ruled Wednesday that prosecutors can use a police recording of a woman accused of fraud in her criminal trial.

Judith A. Stoops, 51, of West Sunbury was charged with theft and fraud in October 2018. She is alleged to have defrauded Concord Township of more than $12,000 during her time as township secretary. During a state police investigation, Stoops was questioned in May 2017 at the Butler barracks. The interview between Stoops and a trooper was recorded, and earlier this month Stoops' lawyer, Ryan Mergl, argued that the recording shouldn't be permitted for view by a jury if the case goes to trial.

Mergl argued that Stoops hadn't been informed of her rights, and that the authorities violated her Constitutional rights. Judge William Shaffer, who is presiding over the case, rejected this argument and ruled that the video will be allowed to be included in the case.

Stoops is scheduled to go to trial on Aug. 26.

Stoops was fired as secretary with Concord after the allegations, but continues to remain active in the township as the judge of elections. She was elected to the four-year position in November 2017.

Stoops allegedly used fake mileage and health care reimbursement claims between January 2016 and March 2017, according to a police report. An audit into the township's budget resulted in the discovery of the $12,000 that Stoops is alleged to have stolen. But Concord Supervisor Kandi Nassy noted that after an audit was completed by the township, the township was reimbursed for $34,000 by its insurance provider.

Nassy said the compensation reflects only a portion of the audit's findings.