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Woman gets 5 years probation for embezzling

By The Associated Press

Story Created: Mar 12, 2010 at 9:58 AM MST

Story Updated: Mar 12, 2010 at 9:58 AM MST

HELENA - A federal judge has sentenced a former labor union president from Butte to five years of probation for embezzling more than $7,700 from the group.

Forty-two-year-old Laura Ann Brown apologized to the court for taking the money, saying it wasn't for her personal benefit and that at the time she was faced with emergency situations.

Prosecutors said Brown took the money from the American Federation of teachers Local Union 5095 over four years, using electronic fund transfers to pay personal debts, writing checks for her personal benefit and making cash withdrawals from the union account.

Brown's attorney John Rhodes told the court that probation would help her pay restitution.

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S said on Friday, Mar 19 at 6:10 PM

How is it that a person who is suppose to be helping people can knowlingly use funds for their own personal use and not receive any sort of jail time? The Union had to suffer due to the loss of funds, and the facility itself undoubtedly suffered because of this person's self-indulgent actions.... where is the justice? Who cares if she has to make restitution? Her actions were unlawful and if a "slap on the wrist" is all you get for stealing money in MT then everyone should move there and reap the benefits!

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