File photo of a judge’s gavel. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
ANDALUSIA, Ala. (AP) — A 91-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to stealing $201,000 from the south Alabama town where she was mayor for three decades.
Covington County prosecutors say River Falls Mayor Mary Ella Hixon pleaded guilty to theft on Thursday.
Authorities say police began investigating after The Andalusia Star-News reported in August about the city selling property to a man who was living with Hixon.
The probe revealed Hixon had illegally transferred $201,610 in city money to others in the last three years.
Hixon resigned as mayor and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, all suspended because of her age.
A judge also ordered Hixon to repay the money. Hixon’s estate is responsible if she dies before all the money is refunded.
The town of about 510 people is near the Florida line.
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