Mediation ordered in theft case

SANDPOINT — Mediation is being ordered in attempt to resolve an embezzlement case against the former office manager of a midwifery clinic, 1st District Court records show.

Bonner County Deputy Prosecutor Roger Hanlon suggested during a pretrial hearing that mediation could help in resolving the case against Samantha Sue Wasylko, who is charged with grand theft. Wasylko’s defense counsel, Jeremy Featherston, did not disagree, court records indicate.

Judge Barbara Buchanan ordered mediation in the matter and Wasylko’s jury trial has been pushed back to August in the event a resolution cannot be reached.

Wasylko, a 43-year-old Sagle resident, pleaded not guilty to felony charge and is free on her own recognizance while the case is pending.

Wasylko, formerly known as Samantha Jeffres, is accused of embezzling from Pend Oreille Midwifery while employed as the clinic’s office manager in 2015. The company’s accountant testified at a preliminary hearing last summer that the embezzlement was discovered after an accountant discovered irregularities in the birthing clinic’s financial records.

Wasylko allegedly received more than $10,000 in cash payments from customers, but pocketed the money instead of depositing into the company’s bank account, according to court records.

Wasylko invoked her right to remain silent during the preliminary hearing and did not testify.

If convicted of grand theft, Waslyko faces a one- to 20-year prison term.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.