ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Belmont County Common Pleas Court Judge John M. Solovan II passed sentence in an embezzlement case during Friday's session.
Carla June Spears, 55, 140 Woodrow Avenue, was sentenced on a count of theft, a felony of the third degree occurring March 18, 2008. She was given a sentence of 30 months in the Marysville Reformatory for Women.
Charges stem from a series of thefts during a period of years beginning February 2008. Solovan noted that Spears worked as an account clerk for Whiteside when she abused her position of trust to engage in embezzlement. The total amount stolen was about $177,000.
"This was deceptive behavior over a period of years.
"There's no realistic opportunity for you to make restitution in this case," Solovan said. "Embezzlement of money over a long period of time is a serious crime and it warrants sanctions and a message to others that the activity cannot occur in Belmont County."
Spears was ordered to pay restitution. Solovan added that judicial release may be a possibility so restitution can begin sooner.
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