By AP/KWMU
Edwardsville, Ill. – A former bookkeeper at a Metro-East church has been sentenced to four years' probation for stealing $32,000 dollars from the church.
Heather Hale, 38, had pleaded guilty to the theft. Authorities say she took the money from the Northside Assembly of God Church in Godfrey two years ago.
Hale also must pay $400 a month until the amount she stole is paid back. Insurance covered $7,500 of the loss, Hale paid $7,000 Monday and put her $10,000 bond toward the amount.
She had worked at the church since 2001. The church's pastor reported in March that a review of church bank accounts turned up many unauthorized transactions.