Farrell, Pa., woman begins 1-year term in prison

FARRELL, Pa. -- Odette S. Pacsi, who pleaded guilty in November to embezzling $589,000 from the bank where she was employed, began serving a one-year federal prison sentence Thursday.
Pacsi, 44, of East Judy Lynn Drive, was sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh on March 2 but wasn't immediately taken into custody.
She was ordered to report to the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson, W.Va., on Thursday and a prison spokesman said she arrived at the minimum security prison at 1:17 p.m.
Could be shortened: Although she was ordered to serve one year behind bars, her actual jail time could be shortened by a month or more if she exhibits good behavior as an inmate.
In addition to the prison sentence, Pacsi was ordered to make restitution, from what she might earn working in the prison and after her release.
She must also serve five years' probation after her release.
Federal prosecutors said Pacsi, wife of former Farrell Mayor Eugene Pacsi, used the money to buy things for her home and her children.
Admitted thefts: She admitted taking the money over a 10-year period from the Farrell office of National City Bank, where she was employed as a teller and later as branch manager.
Prosecutors said she was able to cover up the thefts by falsifying records. The thefts were not discovered until August 2000.
Prosecutors said sentencing guidelines showed Pacsi could have faced up to 21/2 years behind bars but the court took into account her attorney's argument that she suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and dependent personality disorder.