A former Montezuma County finance director accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from county coffers pleaded guilty Thursday.

Mary Ann Sanders entered into an agreement with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, pleading guilty to a count of felony theft and a count of misdemeanor theft.

Sanders originally was charged Aug. 11, 2011, with three counts of felony theft, eight counts of felony embezzlement and one count of misdemeanor official misconduct.

The agreement is for a jail cap of 30 days, restitution and three years’ probation. However, if the judge rejects the agreement, she could face additional jail time.

Sanders was accused of taking about $8,000 in county funds over several years from a petty cash fund. Dates of the thefts range from December 2009 to February 2011. The money was discovered missing later that year.

Montezuma County Administrator Ashton Harrison had previously told the Journal that weak points have been identified in the office and safeguards have been put in place to prevent such thefts from happening in the future.

Sanders no longer is employed with the county. She awaits sentencing at a date yet to be determined.

reidw@cortezjournal.com