(Le Mars) — A former Westfield city clerk charged with embezzlement of the town’s funds has been given probation. Angela Sorensen, 51, of Akron, entered an Alford plea, Monday at Plymouth County District Court. An Alford plea is when a defendant may not enter a plea of guilt, but realizes circumstances would perhaps mean a guilty verdict.
Sorensen was accused of stealing $70,000 from the city of Westfield. A charge of ongoing criminal conduct was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Sorensen claims she does not recall committing the crime. Sorensen’s physical and mental health issues played a factor in District Judge Jeff Neary’s decision to place Sorensen on probation, rather than sentenced to prison. A ten-year prison sentence was suspended, and Sorensen will be on probation for
a term of five years. A state auditor’s review of the city’s financials found discrepancies from January 1st of 2013 through September 30, of 2017. More than $74,000 in undeposited utility collections and improper payments were noted by the State Auditor’s office. Sorensen was the city clerk from May of
2013 until her resignation in August of 2017. Sorensen will need to pay a restitution costs of $7,781, and complete 50 hours of community service.
