A 91-year-old woman pleaded guilty to stealing $201,000 from the south Alabama town where she was mayor for three decades. Click “more” below for the full story!
Prosecutors said River Falls Mayor Mary Ella Hixon pleaded guilty to theft and resigned. In exchange, authorities dropped another felony ethics charge.
Circuit Judge Ashley McKathan sentenced Hixon to 10 years in prison but suspended the term because of Hixon’s advanced age. She must spend five years on probation.
Covington County District Attorney Walt Merrell said years of thefts left the city all but broke.
“Had it not been a 91-year-old woman, I would have stood on my head to make sure she went to prison,” said Merrell.
McKathan ordered Hixon to repay the money, with her estate being held responsible if she dies before all the money is refunded.
The probe revealed Hixon had illegally transferred $201,610 in city money to others in the last three years, but the prosecutor said the thefts likely started long before.
Located near the Florida line, River Falls has about 510 residents. It’s little more than a wide spot in the road for people driving to Panhandle beaches.
Source: Yahoo!
