Bambi Lynn Johnson of Michigan sentenced to 8 months in jail for steal of $80K

Bambi Lynn Johnson, 54, of 1019 Minneapolis Ave., Gladstone, was arrested in October on a charge of embezzlement of more than $50,000 but less than $100,000. During Monday's court proceeding, Johnson pleaded guilty to a charge of embezzlement of more than $20,000 but less than $50,000. In exchange for this plea, the court dismissed the first count.

The felony charge carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine or three times the amount embezzled, whichever is greater.

The charge relates to Johnson's employment as a bookkeeper for Gladstone dentist Richard Ballard from 1998 to September 2007. Johnson worked at the dentist office, 716 Superior Ave., Gladstone, from 1990 to September 2007 when she left to work elsewhere. She was in charge of depositing funds for the business.

Bambi Lynn Johnson stole $80K

According to court records, as an employee of Ballard's, Johnson converted to her own use, without consent, proceeds from the business. During Monday's plea proceeding, Circuit Court Judge Stephen Davis ordered Johnson pay a restitution of $80,000 to the dentist.

Sentencing will take place in circuit court in about six weeks.

A warrant for Johnson's arrest was authorized Oct. 23 following investigation by Gladstone Public Safety. The following week she was arrested and arraigned. She is free on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond.