AUGUSTA (AP) – A Waterville woman faces 3years behind bars for embezzling almost $1 million from her family’s business.

Paula Caron, 52, was sentenced Tuesday at a hearing in which her parents, children and friends asked for mercy for her.

Caron pleaded guilty in May to stealing from Winslow Aluminum Inc., of Vassalboro, a company founded by her father and uncle in 1974. She was the bookkeeper.

for the firm.

, which manufactures vinyl replacement windows and distributes siding and home improvement products.

Deputy District Attorney Alan Kelley said Caron at one point returned $63,000 to keep the firm afloat and to continue covering her theft. Some $136,000 was later repaid by her father.

Justice Nancy Mills ordered Caron to pay restitution of more than $770,000.

in Kennebec County Superior Court

to nine years in prison with all but 3 years suspended and three years’ probation