A Jefferson woman was sentenced to probation at her sentence hearing Monday after pleading guilty to embezzlement related charges.

Fifty-one-year-old Christine Durlam pled guilty on January 21st to two Class C Felonies of first degree theft and identity theft, along with an aggravated misdemeanor for fraudulent practice. She was accused of having stolen $28,906 from 2015-2019 when working as a Bristol Township Trustee. 

After hearing witness statements from defense attorney Joel Baxter with Heather Patrick and prosecutor Greene County Attorney Thomas Laehn with Greene County Sheriff Jack Williams and Greene County Real Estate and Tax Coordinator Pam Olerich, both attorneys made their sentencing recommendations. Baxter recommended a suspended prison sentence and having Durlam placed on probation. Laehn then recommended a six month jail sentence for the misdemeanor and five years of probation for the felony charges. 

District Court Judge Adria Kester decided to suspend the prison sentences for all charges and place Durlam on probation for 2-5 years. Laehn gave his explanation of why he pushed for a short jail sentence.

“I believe that a period of incarceration – whether in the county jail or in a state prison – was warranted given the significance of the crime. It was a betrayal of the public trust (of an) appointed official for the township (and) stealing money from the township.”

Durlam was also ordered to pay over $1,000 in surcharges, court costs and court-appointed attorney fees. A final amount for victim restitution will be set at a later date.