Former bookkeeper admits embezzling, has to repay $11,000

A Columbia Falls woman has admitted embezzling nearly $11,500 from her employer.

Aimee Gress, 43, pleaded guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to a felony count of theft by embezzling as part of a plea agreement that includes a recommended deferred sentence of three years.

Gress embezzled the money while she was a bookkeeper at Glacier Marble and Granite. The owners eventually confronted Gress, who confessed and turned over $275 of the money as well as resigning and signing a confession form.

Gress later told detectives that she issued herself 10 checks totaling $11,493 from the company’s business account and spent all but the $275.

In addition to the recommended deferred sentence, the plea agreement includes roughly $11,000 in restitution to be paid to the company.

A sentencing hearing has been set for Oct. 24.