GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–Kathryn Sue Simmerman, the former manager of Shoreline FCU who embezzled more than $1.9-million, has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison after a judge told her that her actions had had an “immense toll” on her victims.
"It was a very serious offense with apparently not much respect for the law,'' U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell was quoted by wzzm13.com as saying at the sentencing hearing. "What I get here are cruises, pickup trucks, boats – all kinds of things that are not necessary.''
"I stole a lot of money and I knew it was wrong,'' Simmerman said through tears, according to wzzm13.com. "I want to apologize to my parents, family and friends. I made a terrible example for my children and grandchildren. I'm heartbroken over all the friendships I've lost. I will forever work to make amendments for my actions.''
Simmerman, 55, has also been ordered to make full restitution.
According to wzzm13.com, several Shoreline employees and board members were on hand for the sentencing.
As CUToday.info reported here, Simmerman said that over a 17-year period she took money from the “vault,” which was a locked file cabinet drawer, 433 times and then had it deposited into her accounts at the credit union.