Danielle Hale has been sentenced to five years of felony probation and 180 days in jail for embezzling some $70,000 from the Sierra Historic Sites Association, which runs Fresno Flats Historic Park.
Under the terms of her probation,said Deputy District Attorney Shawn Huston, she will have to check in monthly with a probation officer. She must have permission to leave the state, move or use prescription medication. She will have to produce proof of income. She will be required to pay restitution.
In some felony probation cases, a convicted person may later have the felony reduced. But Huston said Hale will be a felon until Fresno Flats is paid back.
She will not report to jail until Sept. 15. The delay was granted so she could apply for the work furlough program. She may either be released from Madera County Corrections daily to go to work or may have a tracking device and essentially be under house arrest, Huston said.
Hale is to have no contact with Fresno Flats and will be required to pay approximately $3,000 in fines.
"My lasting memories of this ugly and regrettable event will be the kindness with which our mountain community rallied around and for Fresno Flats," Ray Edmondson said. He is second vice president and publicity director for the association.
"Individuals, organizations and businesses alike stepped forward in a time of great need to rescue us from the brink of disaster. I, personally, will not soon forget the consideration, the caring and the generosity of people far to numerous to mention."
Don Ashton, president of the association, said he is pleased that the case has been concluded and expressed sadness for Hale's family and members of the group who were "adversely impacted by her actions."
"Like so many adversities, some positives came from this loss," he said. "Fresno Flats saw this episode bring our membership and the community together to help us rebuild. For that we feel blessed and grateful."
News that the association had lost a substantial amount of money flew around Oakhurst last fall. Charges against Hale were filed in December.
Hale, of Coarsegold, was quoted in the Star Dec. 7, 2007 as saying she was in counseling and suffered from depression, bipolar disorder, compulsive spending and alcohol abuse. She said she had spent the money.
The loss of the money was a major blow to Fresno Flats, never terribly flush with funds. The park contains historic buildings and homes decorated and furnished in period style. There is a museum with artifacts from Mountain Area's past, a gift shop and docent tours that take people into such things as a print shop and smithy.
Since the theft was disclosed, there have been several efforts to replace the money, from donation jars to a John Wayne film festival to a July 19 evening at Sierra Sky Ranch which featured a barbecue, band, dance, raffles, vendor booths and tours of places at the resort said to be haunted. More than 150 people attended.
Edmondson said the association's finances are "holding up well."
The group's major event, Mountain Heritage Days, will be but one day this year, Sept. 20. The park will be open with tours, docents, vendors and food. A parade and sluice-box derby are highlights of the festival.
For more information on the historic park and other activities of the Sierra Historic Sites Association, go to www.fresnoflatsmuseum.org or telephone (559) 683.6570. The park is at the corner of School Road (427) and Indian Springs Road.