ELIZABETH - A Wirt County teacher and coach pleaded guilty to embezzlement Wednesday.
Christy Wilson pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of embezzlement in Wirt County Circuit Court. Wilson, represented by her court-appointed attorney William Summers, admitted to taking more than $3,600 from the Wirt County Band Boosters Club.
Wirt County Circuit Court Judge Bob Waters accepted the plea and set a Feb. 21 sentencing date for the 39-year-old. Wilson will remain free on bond.
Article Video
Christy Wilson pleads guilty
Wilson kept her answers to the judge's questions short. She told the court she took money from the boosters account, but she was reluctant to detail her crime or the reason behind it.
Waters asked why she took the money.
"I can't give you a good reason, really," she replied.
Article Photos
Former Wirt County teacher and coach Christy Wilson signs her plea agreement Wednesday in Wirt County Circuit Court. Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement, admitting to theft of more than $3,600 from the Wirt County Band Boosters. (Photo by Jody Murphy)
"I was in charge of making most of the deposits," she said at Waters' prodding. "I did not make all of the deposits."
Wilson said the money came from concession stand proceeds, mostly from Wirt County High School football games during the 2010 season. According to the criminal complaint, Wilson is alleged to have taken money until February of this year.
Wilson said she used the money to pay bills.
Wilson earlier told the judge she suffers from bipolar disorder, a condition that was diagnosed about nine years ago. Wilson said she has been taking medication for the disorder as well as for a recent surgery.
Wilson admitted to stealing more than $3,600 from the Wirt County Band Boosters. Prosecuting attorney Leslie Maze said the amount is in dispute. Maze said booster officials allege Wilson stole closer to $9,000.
"It's an issue that could be something for the court to determine," Maze said.
In pleading guilty, Wilson could face 1-10 years in prison and up to a $2,500 fine. Summers made a motion for alternative sentencing. As part of the plea, the prosecutor agreed not to oppose probation.
Wilson, who remained composed for most of the 40-minute hearing, began to weep as the officials discussed her status as a teacher.
Wilson, a teacher at the Wirt County Primary Center, has been on suspension since her arrest in June. Wednesday, she attempted to the resign, submitting a letter of resignation to Wirt County Superintendent of Schools Dan Metz.
Metz and another school official were the only spectators present for Wilson's plea.
Metz said Wilson's resignation will be taken up by the board of education at the Dec. 20 meeting. Metz said the board can accept the resignation or opt for termination.
With regard to Wilson's teaching license, Metz said that would be a matter for state officials.
Waters encouraged Wilson to work with the probation office and make restitution to the boosters.
Summers noted Wilson had been on unpaid leave and not working due to surgery.
"We will try to do something and work our payment," he said.
"There's no reason to wait if she can pay," Waters said.
