Woman gets 1 year for stealing from disabled

A Richmond woman was sentenced this week to one year in prison after pleading guilty to stealing from developmentally disabled adults who lived at a New Paris, Ohio, residential facility at which she worked.

Kristina Henley, 44, was charged with theft (a third-degree felony) after an investigation by the Preble County Sheriff’s Office that started in July.

Officers were contacted by Foundations, a residential facility for disabled adults near New Paris. Staff reported unapproved transactions and receipts turned in by an employee who had access to client accounts.

Investigators said Henley purchased items, allegedly for use by Foundations clients, using a business checking account. The items, including clothing, electronics and gift cards, were things that could not have been used by the clients.

Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson said the investigation revealed many items were returned for cash refunds, while gift cards were used to purchase gasoline. Deputies, who say the amount of the thefts exceeded $12,000, also recovered an iPad from Henley's residence.

On Wednesday in the Preble Court of Common Pleas, Henley was ordered to serve one year in prison out of the maximum possible three-year sentence.

“The prison sentence in this case, while less than the two years recommended by the state, was necessary to punish the defendant for her conduct, and to send the message that such crimes will be dealt with harshly by the criminal justice system in Preble County,” Preble County Prosecuting Attorney Martin P. Votel said in a statement.