Judge gives probation to treasurer's ex-worker

The judge expects McNally to find a new job despite her conviction.
By DEBORA SHAULIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Kathleen McNally lost a good job with the Mahoning County treasurer's office and humiliated herself by stealing more than $6,000 in county funds. "Sometimes that's punishment enough," says Judge Maureen A. Cronin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
McNally, 50, who gave addresses on Granada Avenue in Youngstown and Logan Way in Hubbard, was placed on probation Wednesday for three years, ordered to submit to routine drug tests and fined $1,000 by the judge.
Rather than be indicted by a grand jury, McNally pleaded guilty to one count of theft, a fourth-degree felony, in a bill of information last December.
McNally admitted to taking money from her cashier's drawer between April 11 and Sept. 9. She has repaid the county $6,460, which included some extraneous costs, defense Atty. Thomas E. Zena said.
McNally had no previous criminal record, worked in the treasurer's office for nearly 10 years and was well-liked, Zena said. She was dealing with some "emotional issues" and "financial distress" when the theft occurred, he said.
Gains' recommendation
County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains recommended probation for McNally because she returned the money, resigned her job and spared the county the expense of prosecuting her case, he said.
McNally, who told Judge Cronin that she was nervous, apologized for causing anyone harm, inconvenience or disappointment. "I'm just sorry," she said.
Judge Cronin also told McNally to find a new job, even though "you ruined your record," she said.
If additional county funds are discovered to be missing and McNally is liable, Judge Cronin said her probation will be terminated and she will face harsher sentencing. The maximum sentence for theft is 18 months in prison.
McNally's former boss, county Treasurer John Reardon, did not attend her sentencing but agreed with the probation recommendation, Gains said.
shaulis@vindy.com