BENTONVILLE -- A former dance teacher was placed on probation after pleading guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from the parents of her students.
Kiyanna Wright, 37, of Centerton pleaded guilty Monday to theft of property, a Class C felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from three to 10 years. The plea came under an agreement attorney Charlie Pearce reached with Nathan Smith, deputy prosecutor.
A woman told police that she had paid $2,409 toward a trip to New York City, according to court documents. The woman's daughter attended Wright's dance classes. The trip was for the dance team, according to court documents.
Another mother paid Wright $1,147.75 for a trip the dance team was to take to Los Angeles, according to court documents. Neither trip happened and the money was not refunded, according to court documents.
Wright was arrested Oct. 18, 2012.
The total money stolen was $25,594.75, according to Smith.
Smith told Circuit Judge Robin Green that he had spoken to the victims and informed them of the plea.
Green accepted the plea agreement and Wright's guilty plea. Wright was placed on state-supervised probation for 10 years. She must pay $10,000 in victim restitution within the next week. Wright then must make $105 monthly payments to pay the remaining $15,594.75 in victim restitution. She also must pay $1,170 in court costs.
NW News on 08/19/2014