Accused embezzler enters guilty plea

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County woman charged with embezzling from her former employer over a three-year period pleaded guilty Monday to grand theft.

A plea agreement in Monica Rose Reeves’ case recommends a suspended two- to four-year prison term and no more than six months of incarceration at the Bonner County Jail, court records show.

The terms of the plea agreement are not binding upon the court and Reeves’ counsel remains free to argue for a lesser sentence. Reeves is free on her own recognizance and her sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 21 in 1st District Court.

Reeves, a former bookkeeper for Sandpoint Building Supply in Ponderay, is accused of writing up merchandise returns and applying the proceeds to her personal credit card accounts, court records indicate. She also pocketed cash and falsified merchandise returns in an attempt to cover her tracks.

Reeves, a Ponderay Police report said, readily admitted her involvement when confronted with the theft allegations. Reeves also reportedly confessed to her church congregation before the theft charges became a matter of public record.

Reeves, 32, entered the plea after waiving her right to a preliminary hearing in magistrate court last month.

An audit conducted by the owners of Sandpoint Building Supply alleges that Reeves defrauded the business by more than $30,000.

Reeves is the 19th Bonner County resident to be charged with embezzlement since 2005.