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Struthers woman sentenced for stealing from employer
The woman will have to repay some of the money.
YOUNGSTOWN — A Struthers woman will spend some time behind bars for stealing thousands of dollars from her employer over the course of several years.
Peggy A. Griffith, 46, of East Midlothian Boulevard, Struthers, pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft Nov. 12 after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Under the agreement, prosecutors recommended a six-month prison sentence, five years’ probation and arrangements to repay the stolen funds.
She appeared Tuesday for sentencing before Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
Griffith, according to prosecutors, stole between $120,000 and $320,000 from her employer, Y.O.H. Surgical Associates Inc.
Mark Hockensmith, an assistant county prosecutor, said the plea agreement was reached because Dr. Paul Weiss, the doctor for whom Griffith worked, died shortly after her indictment, making the case more difficult to prosecute.
Susan Weiss, wife of the late doctor, spoke to the court before sentencing concerning the turmoil her family has faced in light of the stolen money.
She told the court her family has suffered and continues to suffer from Griffith’s “immoral and illegal” actions. She said she may lose the family home because of the debt incurred by the theft.
Weiss also spoke of her late husband’s kind-hearted nature. She said he often paid for the expenses of patients who could not afford treatment they desperately needed. She also said she and the doctor had helped take care of Griffith’s family as well.
Atty. James Lanzo, representing Griffith, told the court his client has no previous criminal record, is a mother and works full time making $10.50 per hour. He said she is sorry for her actions.
“It should not have happened,” he said.
Griffith addressed the court and apologized for stealing the money but said she already has received the highest punishment of all in the loss of her 17-year-old son. A family court awarded custody of the teen to his father after her theft conviction.
“I am just ready to accept my punishment because no matter what happens to me, it is no worse than yesterday, when I lost my son,” she said. “I am sorry.”
Judge Evans sentenced Griffith to six months in prison and five years’ probation. She made a $10,000 payment and will make monthly payments of $200 for the next five years.
jgoodwin@vindy.com