By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The now-former Lewis County social services manager accused in September of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a governmental association in which she served as treasurer is expected to enter a guilty plea next week.
April K. Kelley, 35, was charged with first-degree theft in Lewis County Superior Court following an investigation by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
The Centralia woman worked at the Lewis County Department of Public Health & Social Services, and in that capacity, served as treasurer for the Association of County Human Services. When a new treasurer took over last year, the books were reviewed and $60,000 to $70,000 was missing, according to the sheriff’s office.
Defense attorney Shane O’Rourke told a judge today he wanted to schedule a hearing next week for his client to change her plea.
Outside the courtroom, O’Rourke said he’s already delayed for months to go over the documents but Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer wanted to know by today if they were going to trial or if they would settle.
He said he will still need time to prepare for Kelley’s sentencing hearing as the prosecutor is going to recommend a fairly significant sentence.
Her hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. next Wednesday.
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For background, read “Former association treasurer charged with 10 felony counts for alleged dipping into account” from Monday September 26, 2016, here [1]