Former bookkeeper sentenced in theft case
SANDPOINT — A former bookkeeper accused of embezzling from a Bonner County excavation company has been ordered to serve 30 days in jail and pay almost $46,000 in restitution.
District Judge Steve Verby gave Jean Marie Lucas credit for 14 days she’s already served, leaving a balance of 16 days to serve. She has already made a $1,300 payment, which reduced the amount of restitution owed to $44,649, court records show.
Lucas apologized to the operators of Kootenai Excavators when she was sentenced on June 15 in 1st District Court.
“I just wanted them to know how sorry I am,” an emotional Lucas said during the hearing.
She asked the court to avoid imposing a lengthy term of incarceration so she can make good on the restitution.
“I know I committed a crime and I have to face punishment,” she said.
Lucas, formerly known as Jean Tepner-Galland, was charged earlier this year with writing unauthorized checks on at least five occasions in 2006. She later relocated to Billings, Mont., and immediately surrendered there upon learning of the charges in Idaho.
Lucas, 38, pleaded guilty to grand theft in an agreement with the prosecution. The agreement recommended a suspended prison term of three to five years and 30 days in jail.
Grand theft in Idaho is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Lucas’ defense counsel, Michael Waldrup, urged the court to adopt the recommendations in the plea agreement.
He said his client has an otherwise spotless criminal record and has cooperated fully with investigators.
Waldrup added that Lucas had a troubled upbringing, and more recently struggled with painkiller addiction and an abusive marriage.
“We understand that in no way excuses her actions here. It certainly provides some context, however,” said Waldrup.
Bonner County Deputy Prosecutor Jim Frazier also hewed to the recommendations in the plea agreement.
Verby agreed to adopt the recommendations, citing Lucas’ attitude and remorse, in addition to “complicated psychological and financial issues” in the case. He placed Lucas on probation for 10 years and ordered her to complete 200 hours of community service.
“Your future freedom depends upon paying restitution, so you need to make that a fundamental priority,” Verby said.