Embezzler sent to jail, must pay over $60,000 in restitution.

Laura Routley with her attorney, Julie Springstead Waltz.

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — A 50-year-old Hart woman was sentenced Monday, May 23, in 27th Circuit Court to serve four months up front of a nine-month discretionary jail sentence and to pay $60,640 in restitution for embezzling from Gale’s IGA grocery store.

Laura Yvonne Routley, of 765 E. Hazel Rd., pleaded guilty last April to embezzling $20,000 or more/less than $50,000.

Routley testified in April that as a cashier at Gale’s, she processed money orders and stole the cash that customers paid for the orders.

Routley turned herself in to the Hart Police Department last February. Hart Police Chief Dan Leimback said previously that Routley embezzled in excess of $50,000 over the course of seven years, dating back to 2009 until January of 2016.

Routley must also serve two years probation and was ordered to not use alcohol or drugs. She received credit for one day served in jail. Judge Anthony A. Monton said the restitution must be paid during course of her probation.