Former Grove cheerleader adviser sentenced for embezzling in Oklahoma

FROM NEWSOK.COM -


A former Grove schoolteacher was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to stealing money from the cheerleading fund




Michell Diane Martin, 53, of Grove, was given a two-year deferred sentence and a $1,000 fine and ordered to pay back $8,270 in restitution.



Nick Lelecas, assistant district attorney, said Martin paid the restitution before Monday's hearing.



Martin taught in the school district in 2001 and again from 2005 to October 2010 and was the cheerleading adviser.



Martin confessed to funneling money from advertisements in the football program for her personal use, according to the plea agreement. She was charged in November with embezzlement.



Martin's attorney, Winston Connor II, said Martin has received professional help and is looking forward to being a productive member of society.



In an unrelated case, Martin was given a one-year suspended sentence for driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.



She was arrested by Grove police Oct. 29 after she registered 0.23 on a blood-alcohol test, nearly three times over the legal limit to drive.



Martin also was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service and was fined $500 on the DUI charge