November 16th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
The Cumberland Times News reports Cheryl Shipley, the former Ridgeley Volunteer Fire Department treasurer who's accused of embezzling more than $300,000 in company funds over a five-year period, entered a no contest plea Wednesday morning in Mineral County Circuit Court.
Shipley was indicted last year on four felony embezzlement counts. The crimes are alleged to have occurred between January 2005 and September 2010. A count of conspiracy was dropped.
The no contest plea means Shipley didn't admit guilt, but the court can determine the punishment.
Shipley faces a jail sentence of one to 10 years and could be responsible for restitution. She has made a restitution payment of $28,000 and a $50,000 payment was made by an insurance company, Cody Pancake, the county's prosecuting attorney, said.
"At the appropriate time, I think we probably will need a restitution hearing," Pancake said. "It's like any embezzlement case … it's virtually impossible to figure out exactly what is owed."
Judge Lynn Nelson ordered a pre-sentence investigation report. Once that is completed, Shipley will be back in court for sentencing and/or a restitution hearing.
Pancake provided a letter from the fire department to Nelson to enter it into the court record.
Robbie Pollock, president of the fire department, has previously told the Times-News that a statement will be issued by the fire department once the trial has concluded.
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