REXBURG, Idaho -- A Rexburg woman is sentenced today for grand theft after embezzling more than $100,000.
Jennifer Handy had been stealing for more than two years from the very law office where she was employed, Forsberg Law in Rexburg.
Judge Darren Simpson sentenced her to three to eight years in prison and more than $2,000 in fines. First she will be sent to the state correctional facility for 120 days.
No stranger to the law, Handy has worked her entire adult life in law offices, including for Bonneville County’s Prosecuting Attorney’s office. Simpson took her legal history into account when issuing the sentence.
Emotions were running high, especially when Handy said she had changed during her first 80 days in jail and had a plan to repay Forsberg.
Simpson didn’t think her plan was feasible and focused on wanting to make sure Handy’s tears were sincere and she was upset over what she had done, rather than over losing her freedom.
According to an asset statement, Handy does not have any money in the bank to repay Forsberg. All of the stolen money was spent on cosmetic surgery, fast food, trips to Las Vegas, manicures and even a prepaid trip to Disneyland that Handy’s family was planning for September.
Handy is a mother of three and her husband works for the Postal Service in Rexburg.