Release denied for embezzler

SANDPOINT — A Priest River woman convicted of grand theft and later arrested for failing to serve her jail sentence was denied release onto her own recognizance on Thursday.

Counsel for Nicole Jody Lynn Love moved for her release because of a serious medical condition which requires surgery and treatment beyond anything that’s offered at the Bonner County Jail.

Bonner County Deputy Public Defender Dan Taylor said his office received confirmation of the diagnosed condition from Love’s doctor in Newport, Wash. Bonner County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Shane Greenbank objected and argued the diagnosis was essentially hearsay.

First District Judge Barbara Buchanan declined to release Love without the testimony of a doctor, court records show. Buchanan said she would consider a medical furlough at a hospital, but not without a doctor’s testimony.

Love, 36, was accused of embezzling as much as $46,000 from her former employer, CityServiceValcon, in 2010. Love worked as the assistant manager of the fuel distributor’s branch in Oldtown.

Love ultimately pleaded guilty to the felony theft charge. She was given a suspended five-year prison sentence and ordered to serve 30 days in jail. Love, however, failed to report to the jail to begin serving the sentence.

A warrant for Love’s arrest was issued in January.

A hearing to take up the matter of Love’s compliance with the sentence is set for April 4.