78-Year-Old Woman Sent to Prison

PONTIAC, Ill. (CN) - A 78-year-old bookkeeper was sentenced to 5 years in prison for stealing more than $100,000 from the school where she worked. With credit for good behavior, Patricia Howe of South Streator could be out shortly after her 80th birthday.

Howe, former bookkeeper for the Woodland School, pleaded guilty in August. She will also have to repay the school and its insurance company $128,000.

Howe could have been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, but prosecutors recommended the shorter term.

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