BENTONVILLE—Sentencing for a former Benton County employee accused of theft has been rescheduled for May.
Christine Southard, 42, of Bella Vista pleaded guilty in February to theft of property, a class B felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from fi ve to 20 years.
Her guilty plea was to the court and without the benefit of a plea agreement. Southard’s punishment will be up to Circuit Judge Robin Green. Southard’s sentencing was to be held Wednesday, but was rescheduled to May 13.
Southard, former administrative assistant to Benton County Clerk Tena O’Brien, was arrested May 9. Southard had worked at the clerk’s office since 1999. Southard was released from jail on $15,000 bond after her arrest.
Southard is accused of stealing $48,077 from the clerk’s off ce, according to court documents. Southard is accused of taking cash from bank deposits she was making for the clerk’s offce. Southard also wrote two $1,200 checks on an office account, according to court documents.
Southard was fi red when state auditors discovered discrepancies in the off ce’s accounts during an annual audit. The irregularities were reported to O’Brien, who informed County Attorney George Spence. The issue later was referred to the Benton County Sherift ’s Off ce.
The affidavit states O’Brien met with Southard to discuss the discrepancies, and Southard told O’Brien she had taken money. Southard reportedly wrote the amounts she had taken on monthly bank reconciliation reports. The amount totaled $46,000, according to court documents.