KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) – A former Howard County tourism official has waived her initial hearing on theft charges.

The Kokomo Tribune reports 48-year-old Kimberly Morgan of Kokomo was arrested on seven felony counts of theft. Morgan was assistant director of the Howard County Convention and Visitors' Bureau for about 10 years before being fired in January.

Investigators allege Morgan misused a tourism bureau credit card to take more than $18,000 for her personal use since January 2012.

Police say she surrendered at the Howard County Jail last week and was released on $1,000 bond.

The court entered a preliminary plea of not guilty and set a trial date of Dec. 23.