CCFJ.NET: Mother, son plead guilty to stealing nearly $123,000 from Lakeland homeowners’ association
Article Courtesy of The Ledger
By Suzie Schottelkotte
Published January 24, 2017
Martha Beard, 60, and her son, Matthew Beard, 33, each face up to 30 years in prison on charges they stole an estimated $122,780 from their community’s homeowners’ association over an 11-year span.
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Martha Beard pleaded guilty to grand theft of more than $100,000 and scheme to defraud, and her son pleaded no contest to the same two charges. By pleading no contest, Beard is not admitting guilt, but is not contesting the charges.
Since neither has a plea agreement, Circuit Judge Wayne Durden will decide what punishment they will serve. Sentencing has been set for March 17.
Both of them had admitted to Polk County Sheriff’s deputies that they had taken the money, using it to pay household expenses. Authorities said Martha Beard had deposited four checks totaling $12,622 to repay part of the debt. Read more: |
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