DOVER-FOXCROFT (AP) – A 65-year-old former town official in Willimantic who embezzled more than $46,000 from the town over 10 years will be spending 15 months behind bars.

Jacqueline Gorey pleaded guilty Friday in Piscataquis County Superior Court to a felony theft charge.

The longtime tax collector and town clerk choked up as she spoke of her shame at what she had done. Gorey said she started taking a few dollars from town coffers that she intended to pay back, but the stealing got out of control.

Her sentence of two years, with all but 15 months suspended, also includes three years of probation and 300 hours of community service. Gorey also must pay restitution.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com

AP-ES-12-22-07 0822EST