Theft suspect waives hearing

SANDPOINT — A former University of Idaho Research & Extension office worker accused of making up to $20,000 in unauthorized purchases on the office’s charge account waived her right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Brooke Marie Ramsey is scheduled to be arraigned on a felony charge of grand theft in 1st District Court. Grand theft is punishable by up to 14 years in prison in Idaho.

Ramsey, 36, of Priest River, is free on her own recognizance while the case is pending. A public defender has been appointed to represent her.

Ramsey made unauthorized purchases from January 2009 to June 2010, when the university closed the research facility because of steep budget shortfalls. Ramsey was issued a purchase order card in 2006, according to court records.

The unauthorized charges were discovered during an audit after the research center was shuttered.

 Ramsey allegedly confessed to making the charges, a Sandpoint Police detective said. Investigators said Ramsey used the charge card to pay for living expenses, vacations for friends and family and personal items.