Ex-Government Treasurer Will Go To Jail, Repay $80k

Updated: 1/31 11:23 am | Published: 1/31 11:07 am

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Heidi Mitchell was arrested in early 2012 on charges of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from the city of American Fork, where she was employed as a financial clerk. In Jan. 2013 she was sentenced to spend 45 days in jail and pay more than $80,000 in fines and restitution. (ABC 4)

PROVO (ABC 4 News) - A former treasurer for the city of American Fork will spend over a month in jail -- and repay roughly $80,000 -- for stealing money from the city while she was on its payroll, officials said Thursday.

Heidi Mitchell was employed by the city as a financial clerk between March 2009 and her termination last April. She pleaded guilty to a second-degree felony count of theft after stealing tens of thousands of dollars from American Fork coffers.

The city launched an investigation after an audit of its books -- stemming from embezzlement allegations last spring -- produced some irregularities, city officials said.

Mitchell could have received a sentence of 15 years in prison, but a judge reduced that term to 45 days. She also must pay more than $80,000 in fines and restitution. Because Mitchell is a 'bonded' employee, the monetary loss to American Fork could be covered by the city's insurance company.

Mitchell has until Feb. 4 to report to the Utah County Jail and begin her sentence.