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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- A Duncansville woman accused of taking money from the Altoona financial institution she used to work for will have a chance to pay back $7,184 and have her criminal charges expunged.
Melissa J. Standridge, 48, entered Blair County's Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program for two years starting Dec. 6, with no early termination option.
To enter the county's ARD program, Standridge provided proof of having already paid $3,500 toward restitution. Standridge will also incur costs and fines and must complete 50 hours of community service while in the ARD program.
Judge Jackie Bernard, who signed the order admitting Standridge into ARD, said she could petition to have the charges expunged if she successfully completes the program.
"This is your chance to show that it was a mistake you made and you don't want to make again," Bernard told Standridge.
Charges filed by Altoona police indicate that Standridge, before quitting her job on April 25 at Altoona First Savings and Loan, 203 N. Logan Blvd., removed money on several occasions with the intention of paying it back. An audit by bank personnel identified the shortage.
Police charged Standridge with two felonies, theft by failure to deposit funds and receiving stolen property, which Bernard said will be held in abeyance while Standridge is in the ARD program.
The judge also encouraged Standridge to make timely and regular payments toward her remaining restitution and costs.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.