MT. VERNON — A Mt. Vernon woman accused of theft and forgery after stealing from a Mt. Vernon business pleaded guilty in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday.

54-year-old Sara E. Piercy pleaded guilty to one count of Class 1 Felony Theft. All other counts of theft and forgery were dismissed as part of the deal. With the plea, Piercy admits to stealing $400,000 from Jax Asphalt over her tenure as an employee. The thefts reportedly occurred when Piercy drew unauthorized checks on Jax Asphalt without knowledge or consent of ownership.

Piercy’s sentence included 4-years probation and payment of $400,000 in restitution. Court reports indicate that she will have to follow a payment plan following a down payment of $150,000. Piercy will be responsible for another $150,000 payment by March 13, 2018 and another $50,000 each on March 12, 2019, and March 16, 2020.

Piercy was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine, court fees and complete 90 days of work release in addition to 100 hours of public service.