A former middle school teacher has pleaded guilty to charges that she embezzled $433,000 from the Worcester County teachers' union.
Denise Owens admitted she stole the money to finance her gambling addiction, reports The Daily Times of Salisbury.
Prosecutors say Owens visited casinos in Delaware more than 600 times over a three-year period and gambled more than $1 million.
The 58-year-old Owens apologized for her actions in court Tuesday, saying she knew she was wrong from the minute she started stealing. She said she was relieved to have been caught.
A judge sentenced her to 2 years in prison and ordered her to repay $211,000. Her attorney, Robert Marvel Jr., says Owens has already paid back about $195,000.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
