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Strand Appears in District Court

Sentencing Set

Mary Strand appeared in District Court before Judge John McKeon to enter guilty pleas for five separate felony counts, including four counts of theft of property by embezzlement and one count of money laundering.

Strand was charged for the offenses when it was discovered she stole more than $80,000 from her employer, Fort Peck Fine Arts Council (FPFAC).

Per plea agreement, Strand is expected to be sentenced to five years in the Montana Department of Corrections, with all five years suspended and 30 days in the Valley County Detention Center. She will also pay fines in the amount of $5,000 ($1,000 for each count) and court fees in the amount of $800. The court, however, is not required to follow the recommendations of the plea agreement and may impose maximum penalties.

In addition, Strand will be ordered to pay over $16,000 in restitution to the FPFAC. It was clarified in court that the restitution amount is considerably less than the amount taken because Strand has already voluntarily paid nearly $60,000 in restitution.

Sentencing is set for June 20.

 

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