Former Lion’s club treasurer sentenced for theft
December 11th, 2013 Posted in OpinionLOGAN — A Paradise woman who pleaded guilty earlier this year to a felony for stealing from the Paradise Lion’s club was sentenced Tuesday in 1st District Court.
Peggy Sue McDonald, the chapter’s former treasurer, was sentenced to five years in the state penitentiary but offered probation of 120 days in the Cache County Jail. She also was ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution to the Lion’s Club, write personal letters of apology to the International Lion’s Club chapter, the local Paradise chapter, her husband and each of her four children.
“The court takes into account how much money was taken,” said Judge Clint S. Judkins. “In this case, the amount was extreme, over $20,000.”
Judkins also said McDonald’s previously untarnished record kept the sentence from being harsher. “She’s got a home that’s paid for, she’s doing well financially,” Judkins said. “I hope she can live with that.”
McDonald, who was formerly responsible for bookkeeping at the club, pleaded guilty Oct. 29 for stealing money intended for Paradise’s 2009 Trout and Berry Days. Her attorney, Shannon Demler, said McDonald had fallen on hard times and stole club funds with the intent to pay them back before anyone noticed.
“There’s no question she’s made very poor choices in this case,” Demler said. He said McDonald’s motive was to help family members who had fallen ill at the time.
McDonald was also offered a work release option after two months in jail.
“Society needs to see that when you’ve done something wrong, there are consequences,” said state prosecutor Tony Baird.
NW
Tags: 1st District Court, Clint Judkins, Paradise Lions Club, Peggy Sue McDonald, sentencing
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