Laclede woman admits guilt in embezzlement case

SANDPOINT - A Laclede woman accused of embezzling money while employed at the University of Idaho's extension office pleaded guilty Tuesday to grand theft.

Kristan Clar Peacock is scheduled to be sentenced in 1st District Court on March 21. She remains free on her own recognizance while the case is pending.

Peacock faces up to 14 years in prison and a $5,000 fine, although the state and the defense have agreed to recommend a suspended prison term and up to six months the Bonner County Jail.

The sentence recommendations are not binding upon the court, however.

Peacock, 43, would also be required to pay $35,395.55 in restitution.

Peacock's Sandpoint defense attorney, Bryce Powell, released a statement explaining that his client is the mother of a child with severe neurological disorders. Her quest for an accurate diagnosis and treatment took her coast-to-coast and left her saddled with more than $260,000 in medical bills.

"In the face of financial ruin, Ms. Peacock made the regrettable decision to take money from her employer. She is deeply remorseful for her actions and accepts full responsibility," Powell said in the statement.

Powell said Peacock intends to make full restitution as soon as possible with the help of her extended family.

Peacock committed the thefts from 2004 to 2009, according to charging documents. Peacock was the extension office's manager, although her $34,900 salary was paid by Bonner County.

The embezzlement was discovered when university officials noticed irregularities in the office's checking account. Peacock allegedly forged colleagues' signatures on checks and used correction fluid to cover her tracks, according to court documents.

Peacock declined to cooperate with a Sandpoint Police investigation, although her office colleagues underwent questioning before being cleared of wrongdoing.