The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

March 19, 2013

Former Alderson employee enters plea to embezzlement

By Tina Alvey Register-Herald Reporter

ALDERSON — A former Town Hall employee has entered a Kennedy plea to the felony of embezzling more than $1,000 from Alderson.

As a result of the plea — which does not involve an admission of guilt — Jacalyn Ann Villars stands convicted of the embezzlement charge.

Although she faces a possible penitentiary term of between one and 10 years, Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Justin St. Clair said he is recommending the court sentence Villars to 60 days of incarceration, followed by one year on home confinement and three to four years of probation.

“It’s up to the judge to determine whether to follow my recommendation,” St. Clair said.

Sentencing is set before Monroe Circuit Judge Robert Irons May 20 at 10 a.m.

An additional hearing will be held to determine the amount of restitution Villars must pay to the town, St. Clair said, adding, “It’s not in doubt she stole more than $1,000.”

That hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Villars also still faces a fraudulent schemes charge in Greenbrier County connected to the embezzlement. She was indicted in February 2011 on a single felony count charging her with making 10 personal purchases totaling $1,613.31 at the Lewisburg Walmart using a City National Bank debit card issued on the account of the town of Alderson.

According to files in the Greenbrier Circuit Clerk’s office, there has been no activity in the fraudulent schemes case since Villars was granted a delay nearly two years ago.

— E-mail: talvey@register-herald.com

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