A plea of guilt to embezzlement

A former clerk at the office of Walhalla Magistrate admitted her guilt today to the charge of embezzlement of public money and received a sentence that sends her to jail for 30 days.  The jail sentence goes to Constance Louise Weaver, accused of the embezzlement of public funds amounting to $2,315.50 over a nine-month period between 2014 and 2015.  Deputy Solicitor David Wagner said Weaver, while employed at the office of Magistrate Blake Norton, took in the payment of fines and traffic tickets.  Judge Keith Kelly ordered Weaver to serve 13 months in prison, suspended to 30 days, 12 months probation, and restitution.  Kelly’s order that Weaver serve 30 days squares with the recommendation of Deputy Solicitor David Wagner.  Wagner told 101.7/WGOG NEWS that he believes anyone who takes public funds should have to serve some time.  According to Wagner, Weaver will be required to reimburse the Magistrate’s Office $1,395.50 between now and the end of her one-year probation.  He said the rest of the money was recovered or previously paid back by Weaver.  She will be allowed to serve the 30 days on weekends.