After fighting a felony embezzlement charge for more than five years, Carmen Marie England agreed this morning to pay back nearly $50,000 stolen from the North Coast Journal while she worked there as an office manager and bookkeeper.

As part of a plea agreement approved by Judge Kelly Neel, England promised to repay $15,000 within 30 days and then make monthly $400 installments until the $48,836.97 is paid off. The 62-year-old Willow Creek resident will also pay interest at 10 percent.

The felony embezzlement count was not dismissed but will be re-assessed in two years. Providing England has abided by her agreement, the charge may then be dismissed.

England pleaded guilty instead to a misdemeanor charge of trespassing. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees and Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian negotiated all morning to come up with a deal that satisfied all parties.

“It was a charge we could agree on,” Rees said outside court. “She was on North Coast Journal property and engaging in activities that are not legal.” Former NCJ owners Judy Hodgson and Carolyn Fernandez were in court this morning to observe the likely end of a very long case. Including the investigation phase, it’s been going on about eight years.

“We are somewhat satisfied with Carmen’s plea of guilty today,” Hodgson told the judge. “We would have preferred that she plead guilty to embezzlement upfront.” Hodgson said some people have questioned why the NCJ has persisted with the case for so many years. It’s because she has seen embezzlement harm or even destroy small businesses, Hodgson said.

“The reason we have been so dogged in pursuing this is to take her (England) out of circulation and as a warning to others (businesses),” she said.

England is prohibited from working in any kind of money management or bookkeeping. She told the judge she is now employed full-time during the week and occasionally on weekends. England wasn’t asked about her work duties.

In addition to paying restitution, she will be on probation for one year and must perform 60 hours of community service. Rees had asked that she either serve 15 days in jail or the equivalent in community service.

At her preliminary hearing, England testified she had never stolen from NCJ. Until today, she had been prepared to go to trial on the embezzlement charge. Judge Neel noted England has finally acknowledged her crime.

“You wouldn’t agree to pay back almost $50,000 if you weren’t taking responsibility,” Neel said.

England’s husband has accompanied her to all her many court appearances.

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