A former manager at Puff's Discount Cigarettes, 937 Arch St., who stole tens of thousands of dollars from the store's automatic teller machine and change box, was sentenced Wednesday to nine to 23 months of county prison and five years of probation by Judge Marc F. Lovecchio in Lycoming County Court.
Amy E. Hubbell, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by unlawful taking and one count of theft by deception on Feb. 29 before Lovecchio.
Hubbell, who was responsible for filling the ATM and change box, admitted to shorting both receptacles and stealing more than $13,000 during the course of four months last year.
While she admitted her guilt in February to Lovecchio just before a jury was about to hear her case and later said in a pre-sentencing report that she believed she felt "screwed" because she didn't receive adequate legal representation.
"Ms. Hubbell seems to be playing the victim in this case," Lovecchio read from the report.
But Hubbell said she acted out of anger when talking to adult probation staff who wrote her pre-sentencing report.
"I just wanted it to be over so I could get on with my life," she said. "Yeah, I made a mistake and I have to deal with it."
Prosecutors said Hubbell turned down two plea offers that would have sentenced her to only probation and restitution, but she turned it down.
Hubbell "abused trust and authority," said Martin Wade, assistant district attorney, adding, "I think the court needs to send a message to would-be offenders."
Although Hubbell offered an apology to store owners, Lovecchio said she didn't appear sorry for actually stealing the money.
"There was never one shred of acceptance or accountability - none. I don't see any sense of responsibility here," the judge said. "Real people were hurt real bad. I don't sense you recognize or appreciate the harm that was done."
