Former San Juan 2000 Executive Director Carol Ann King pleaded guilty yet a third time to two felony theft counts, handed over nearly $40,000 in restitution and was sentenced to three years probation on Monday, June 16, capping a drawn out plea arrangement that allowed her to avoid prison.
The nonprofit San Juan 2000 Development Agency will be repaid more than $25,000 King admitted she stole in 2004 and 2005.
Judge Ruthanne Polidori, filling in for District Judge Jeff Wilson who was hearing another criminal trial, accepted King’s plea and sentenced her to three years probation, 100 hours of community service, fees and costs. King, 49, was also ordered to attend any psychological or treatment programs “deemed appropriate” by probation officials.
Prior to the sentencing, Judge Polidori asked attorneys to review the history of the case.
Public defender Chris Trimble, representing King, noted this is the “third time up” for King to plead guilty to two of the 31 original felony counts in the indictment issued in late 2006. “It’s been quite a convoluted case,” Trimble said.
Trimble noted that prior sentencing hearings had been postponed because King had been unable to come up with the restitution. Recently, property she was part owner of in San Juan County was sold.
“It was hard to sell that property until recently,” Trimble said. “She absolutely wants to make it right.
“Ms. King has come a long way,” Trimble said, saying his client has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder due to a “difficult childhood full of abuse.”
Deputy District Attorney Ben Lammons, who in March criticized the plea deal arranged by his predecessor prosecuting the case that recommended no prison time, said Monday the sentencing was a “favorable disposition,” considering King had no prior record and restitution was met.
He said that “on the face of it” a theft of that magnitude “should mean you’re going to jail. But this is the agreement that has been reached. She finally held up her end of the agreement.”
King tearfully told Judge Polidori that she “would give more if I had it. I’m just so sorry.”
Three cashier’s checks were handed over to the court by King prior to sentencing — $25,065.40 for San Juan 2000, $11,487.13 to the Durango-based Southwest Center for Independence, and $2,815.97 to the cell-phone carrier AllTel.