AUBURN – Both a state prosecutor and a Norlands’ trustee president said they were satisfied with the sentence given to a former Norlands’ bookkeeper.

But Armour Goodman’s attorney, Woody Hanstein, said the time spent in jail could be better used if his client were working to earn money to repay the debt.

Goodman of Dixfield pleaded guilty to theft Tuesday for stealing thousands from the Washburn-Norlands Foundation, Inc. and its living history center in Livermore.

Goodman started serving nine months in jail out of a three-year sentence right after a hearing in Androscoggin County Superior Court.

Goodman also has to repay nearly $34,000 to Norlands.

“I felt that justice was done,” Norlands Trustee President George Ames said.

This is a situation where there are no winners, he said.

Ames said there is much work to be done and center continues to struggle.

But, Ames said, it appears the center is going around the corner with some ideas new Executive Director George Lyons is trying.

“They seem to be working,” he said. “We’re finally closing that chapter.”

Hanstein had argued for a shorter time spent in jail and house arrest to allow Goodman to earn money by working at an inn owned by his life partner.

“It was his best absolute chance to pay restitution,” Hanstein said. “A chance that is now gone. I really do think that it is somewhat ironic that Norlands is going to get what they wanted … They were so angry and so unwilling to consider that a good person can make a mistake.”

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