News brief: Former treasurer set to plead guilty in theft case

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – The now-former Lewis County social services manager accused in September of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a governmental association in which she served as treasurer is expected to enter a guilty plea next week.

April K. Kelley, 35, was charged with first-degree theft in Lewis County Superior Court following an investigation by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

The Centralia woman worked at the Lewis County Department of Public Health & Social Services, and in that capacity, served as treasurer for the Association of County Human Services. When a new treasurer took over last year, the books were reviewed and $60,000 to $70,000 was missing, according to the sheriff’s office.

Defense attorney Shane O’Rourke told a judge today he wanted to schedule a hearing next week for his client to change her plea.

Outside the courtroom, O’Rourke said he’s already delayed for months to go over the documents but Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer wanted to know by today if they were going to trial or if they would settle.

He said he will still need time to prepare for Kelley’s sentencing hearing as the prosecutor is going to recommend a fairly significant sentence.

Her hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. next Wednesday.
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For background, read “Former association treasurer charged with 10 felony counts for alleged dipping into account” from Monday September 26, 2016, here

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5 Responses to “News brief: Former treasurer set to plead guilty in theft case”

  1. George says:

    Any update since today is when she had court?

  2. Peabody Slim says:

    You can always Trust City Officials their Official, their name says it all. She should if know that only police can steal with impunity. Snap her off 5 years let’s set an example for stealing from the tax payers.

  3. Wyatt says:

    Bless her soul atleast she knew it was wrong,… The commissioner think they deserve it. Silly little megalomaniacs,… Lol. Kinda cute in a hitler way. Lmao

  4. Wyatt says:

    This is no different than commissioner stamper and his cronies giving everyone raises barring public input or comment.

  5. joefrankle says:

    So what? We have a person who was guilty of embezzlement working IN THE TREASURERES OFFICE!!!!