PARIS – Two former employees of Wal-Mart in Mexico pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing store merchandise.

Joseph W. Corbin, 41, of 4 Astis Lane in Sabattus, and Amy L. Howes, 26, of 13 Holman Ave. in Mexico, each pleaded guilty to a charge of Class C theft in Oxford County Superior Court. Both were sentenced by Justice Robert E. Crowley to serve one-year deferred dispositions and they may plead to misdemeanor charges if they successfully abide by the conditions.

According to Assistant District Attorney Joe O’Connor, Howes worked as a cashier at the store and was found to have made 26 transactions during July that were bagged but not paid for. O’Connor said approximately $2,600 in merchandise was taken from the store, and that Howes told police she had started the transactions because she had been threatened by two people.

Howes was indicted in November for the theft of food, cigarettes, electronics, and clothing. She must pay $1,200 in restitution to Wal-Mart or other companies determined to be victims of the theft.

O’Connor said a lower restitution was set so Howes would be able to pay.

Corbin was indicted in February and accused of stealing hardware, electronics, furniture, sports equipment, automotive equipment, clothing, appliances, and ammunition from the store between August and October.

According to O’Connor, Corbin worked as an assistant store manager and was found to have been removing carts of merchandise from the store. Corbin later admitted the thefts and returned the material, which he estimated to be worth between $1,000 and $2,000.

If Howes completes her disposition, she may plead to Class D theft and pay a $200 fine. Corbin may plead to Class E theft and pay a $100 fine.