AUBURN — A local woman accused of embezzling more than $10,000 from a Greene market and food wholesaler pleaded not guilty Thursday to a charge of felony theft.

Candice M. Campbell, 52, of 337 East Waterman Road was indicted by an Androscoggin County grand jury earlier this month on a charge of Class B theft by unauthorized taking, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Police say she stole money from Town and Country Foods on Daggett Hill Road in Greene on or about Sept. 23, 2011.

Campbell answered, “not guilty” when asked by Androscoggin County Superior Court Justice MaryGay Kennedy how she wished to plead to the charge.

Kennedy said Campbell could remain free on her own recognizance, but must not return to the market or office nor have any communication with workers there.

Janet Lapin, owner of Town and Country Foods, had said Campbell worked for the business for nearly 13 years. She started as a cashier at the retail store and worked her way up to human resources manager. She handled all of the cash that came into the wholesale and retail business, Lapin said. Campbell took cash receipts in bags from the business’s drivers and took cash drawer receipts from retail clerks and had sole responsibility for the cash.

Lapin said there was evidence to show that roughly $125,000 in cash receipts were lost, but she believes much more went missing during a six-year period. She said she hired a forensic accountant to go through the books and estimate the total amount of missing money.

Town and Country Foods distributes fresh and frozen food and supplies through wholesale deliveries to restaurants and a retail store in Greene.

[email protected]