LAUREL, Miss. — A former church secretary has pleaded guilty to stealing money from the congregation.
Assistant District Attorney Dennis Bisnette tells The Chronicle that Avis Weems allegedly stole more than $80,000 from collections at the East Jerusalem Full Gospel Church in Laurel between August of 2004 and December of 2008.
Bisnette says Weems had worked at the church for four years.
Weems was arrested in 2009. She pleaded guilty this past week in Jones County Circuit Court.
Bisnette says Weems was sentenced to 10 years in prison with 36 months to serve under house arrest. He says the remaining seven years would be suspended if she completes five years of post-release supervised probation and community service.
She was also ordered to pay restitution.
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
