(Spirit Lake)– A judge this (Friday) morning officially accepted an Alford plea of guilty to a charge of theft in the first degree from Margaret (Meg) Waltz. The plea was originally filed in writing a week ago. A hearing on that plea was held this (Friday) morning in Dickinson County District Court before Judge David Lester.
In exchange for the plea, prosecutors have agreed to drop other charges against Waltz, including two counts of fraudulent practice in the first degree…class “D” felonies; and ongoing criminal conduct…a class “B” felony.
The charges stem from accusations of Waltz taking money from the former Before and After School Services program, or BASS, which she headed up.
Judge Lester ordered a pre-sentence investigation, which could take six to seven weeks to complete. A sentencing date will be set once that’s complete.
By entering the Alford plea, Waltz’s attorney, Jim Clarity, told the court he believes there are significant defenses to the charges, but due to the volume of the allegations they believe a jury could find her guilty of either this or atleast one other charge.
Waltz faces up to 10 years imprisonment on the class “C” felony along with a fine of up to 10-thousand dollars and restitution to be determined at the time of sentencing.
