November 20, 2009
- Eugene, Oregon
Coquille woman gets 2 years prison for graduation fund theft
By Kristina Nelson KCBY News
COQUILLE, Ore. - A Coquille woman will spend the next two years in prison after being sentenced Monday for stealing thousands of dollars from the Coquille High School Class of 2009 Project Graduation Fund.
Gwendolyn Sherbondy appeared before Judge Martin Stone in a Coos County courtroom Monday for her sentencing hearing. In March, she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of robbing a Roseburg Wells Fargo Bank. When a search of her home was performed, investigators discovered evidence she was also taking thousands of dollars for personal use from the Class of 2009's graduation fund. Sherbondy pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated theft in the first degree earlier this year. On Monday, Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier asked the court to grant a departure from guideline sentencing and impose a maximum sentence of 24 months. Sherbondy's attorney, Ron Cox, asked for a lesser sentence of just 18 months because she is also facing sentencing in January in federal court for bank robbery. But Judge Martin Stone sided with Frasier. "The factors I will rely on in making that departure include persistent involvement in theft related crimes and the violation of trust place in you to safeguard the funds. They put their trust in you, and you broke it," said Stone to Sherbondy. Sherbondy was given a sentence of 24 months in prison followed by 24 months of post prison supervision. She was also ordered to pay $11,665 in restitution to the Class of 2009's Project Graduation Fund, and has to turn over $600 she has left in a bank account that came from the classes fund. Parents and 2009 graduates in the courtroom Monday, say they were satisfied with the sentence. "I'm relieved and happy that the kids are going to get their money back," said parent Dianna Dirksen. 2009 Coquille High School Graduate Jacob Breuer added, "It's good that she got the full time. She shouldn't expect to get slapped on the hand." Even though they've already graduated, the money to be paid back by Sherbondy will still be used by the class for future reunions and alumni events. |
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