HOLLIDAYSBURG — The former Altoona city councilwoman convicted in September of theft of services after she failed to pay a bill at a local lodging property was sentenced Wednesday to six months’ probation and ordered to pay restitution of $131.

Senior Judge Richard Lewis of Dauphin County, who presided over a Blair County jury trial for Christie B. Jordan, 47, Hollidaysburg, also imposed a $200 fine and directed her to complete 40 hours of community service.

Jordan, who ended six years on Altoona City Council in December 2022, testified on her own behalf at trial about arrangements she pursued to have the bill paid on her behalf. In court Wednesday, she said it’s still her intent to see the bill paid to Allegheny Street Bed and Breakfast for her overnight stay on Jan. 11.

Outside court, Jordan acknowledged her interest in appealing her conviction, an option that defense attorney Tyler Rowles said he would discuss with Jordan. During trial, Rowles took the position that Jordan’s actions didn’t fit the definition of criminal activity.

Lewis, in handing down the sentence, sided with Assistant District Attorney Derek Elensky who told the jury that Jordan’s numerous excuses for not paying the lodging bill — which remained unpaid at trial — fit the definition of theft of services.

Prior to imposing sentence, Lewis referenced trial testimony about the efforts bed and breakfast owners Richard and Jyoti Latker made to assist Jordan with making connections that she indicated would result in her bill being paid. They also accepted two identification cards from Jordan when she was departing and indicated that a payment would be forthcoming.

“I believe the Latkers did go out of their way to get this resolved before picking up the phone and calling police,” Lewis said. “With all due respect, it was a theft.”

Elensky asked Lewis to consider a probationary sentence falling within the state’s standard sentencing guidelines.

“We’re not looking for severe punishment here,” Elensky said. “We’re just looking for her to pay back the bed and breakfast.”

Latker proposed community service as part of the sentence in light of resources — three district court hearings and a jury trial — to address what Latker referred to as “a petty theft.”

Rowles also asked Lewis to consider a probationary sentence to address the second degree misdemeanor.

Lewis, after handing down six months’ probation, told Jordan that it would be possible to have the probation terminated after three months – if she has paid the restitution, the fine and court costs and if she has completed her community service hours.

“Otherwise, it’s six months,” the judge said.

The county parole and probation office will be supervising her probation.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay

Stephens is at 814-946-7456.