A criminal complaint filed in Lyon County District Court in Marshall on Monday alleges that Darin Rahm, a former Fairmont City Council member, created “phantom” vendor accounts to steal about $256,000 from the Marshall Convention and Visitor’s Bureau during his four years as director. The 49 year old  Rahm, appeared in court Monday for the first time since his arrest Friday. He was charged with theft, embezzling public funds and financial transaction card fraud. A future hearing date for Rahm was set for Feb. 19.

Rahm was charged with seven counts of theft, one count of embezzling public funds, and seven counts of financial transaction card fraud. All 15 charges are felonies. The complaint alleges Rahm created the “phantom” vendor accounts — fictitious companies with names similar to legitimate vendors — to transfer funds to his own accounts. The complaint alleges that between Jan. 1, 2015, and June 30, 2018, a total of $256,522 was stolen. Judge Tricia Zimmer set Rahm’s bail at $50,000 without conditions, or $35,000 with conditions, including that Rahm appear in court, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and not enter the CVB office or have contact with CVB employees.

Darin Rahm was director of the Marshall CVB from October 2014 to June 2018, when his employment was terminated. He stepped down from the city council in Fairmont ,for which he served from 2011-14 ,to take the job in Marshall.

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