Borys Krawczeniuk
The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
SCRANTON, Pa. — The Jefferson Twp. Ambulance Association’s former treasurer publicly admitted Tuesday to ripping off the group over many years, but a judge delayed her sentencing so she can finalize a way to pay back the money.
“I take full responsibility, yes I do,” Dorothy Dennis, 71, of Lake Ariel, said. “I take full responsibility and I apologize to Jefferson Twp.”
Lackawanna County Detective Lisa Bauer originally charged Dennis and her husband, Gerald, in January 2018 with stealing $63,818 from the ambulance association and $4,669 from the Jefferson Twp. Ambulance Relief Association.
Bauer withdrew charges in May against Gerald Dennis, who died Oct. 29 after a lengthy illness.
Dorothy Dennis faced 189 felony theft and check forgery charges, but pleaded guilty to two theft charges on Aug. 29, according to court records.
Dennis forged the names of a former ambulance association president and treasurer on checks she cashed between January 2013 and November 2017, according to an arrest affidavit.
After lengthy discussions with the county district attorney’s office, Dennis’ lawyer, Public Defender Keri Savage, told Judge Michael J. Barrasse she and prosecutors agreed the proper restitution amount totals $18,487 — $13,818 from the ambulance association and $4,669 from the relief association.
Savage asked for more time for Dennis to make restitution because Dennis plans to sell her home.
Barrasse postponed her sentencing for 45 days.
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©2019 The Times-Tribune (Scranton, Pa.)