DECATUR, Ga.—A former credit union teller here has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $60,000 from member accounts. Karen S. Buxton, 49, a teller formerly with ADM Credit Union, entered the plea in Macon County Circuit Court.
A judge will now decide the sentence, but the two theft charges are Class 2 felonies which call for a sentence of up to seven years, as well as a fine up to $25,000.
In addition, the court told Buxton she will also be liable for paying restitution, according to the Herald & Review. Buxton remains free on a $10,000 bond.
According to prosecutors, the thefts were discovered in October 2017 when a member complained to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office there was $31,000 missing from an account. It was later discovered more than $31,000 had also been taken from another member account.
Prosecutors said Buxton attempted to cover up the thefts, but finally admitted under police questioning to having taken the funds.
In a statement, local police said, “Karen said she has none of the money left and spent it on ‘eating out’ and gave some to her daughter who was struggling with bills after having a child,” according to the Herald & Review. “Karen stated she also gave money to her brother who had paid for their mother’s funeral.”