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CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) -- The former executive secretary of Iron County United Way has paid back the money she was accused of stealing from the organization and has been sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Jennilee Stapleton, 45, made restitution of $72,243.30 at that time of her sentencing in 5th District Court Tuesday.
In a plea agreement, she had pleaded guilty to third-degree felony charges of attempted theft and forgery.
Judge G. Michael Westfall sentenced her to 30 days in the Iron County Jail, with credit for eight days already served, and ordered fines and court fees of $2,000.
Stapleton's attorney Keith Barnes would not say where she got the money for the restitution, but said, "My client is pleased she could make restitution."
"We're grateful for the restitution and hope to rebuild the trust of the community," Cindy Vandorm, United Way chairwoman said. "Personally, I hope she gets the help she needs for her sake and for her family's."
Chief Deputy Iron County Attorney Troy Little said the prosecution's primary objective was to get back United Way's funds.
The charity's board began investigating after the Children's Justice Center of Iron County said it had not received an expected grant from United Way.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
