By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

Former Re/Max Bridge Realty Property Manager Katie Jo Childs stood before Judge Brian Bolinder on Monday, Nov. 17, to enter a plea in abeyance to charges of communications fraud and theft over $5000; both second-degree felonies. These charges stemmed from allegations that she stole rent money from the tenants she oversaw by advising them to pay her directly.

Representing Childs, attorney Craig Johnson explained that Childs was prepared to enter a plea agreement with the court, keeping both charges as second-degree felonies with jail sentences suspended, as Childs entered into a plea in abeyance.

Judge Bolinder asked prosecutor Christian Bryner whether the state agreed to this deal and whether the victims of the crime were consulted in its creation. Bryner answered yes to both, noting that the agreement was the “result of a lot of negotiating” between himself and Johnson, and that the victims of the crime were satisfied with the outcome.

As part of this agreement, Childs was ordered to pay back the $130,000 stolen, in addition to writing apology letters to the victims. Any further damages incurred by the victims will be subject to civil action. 

Additionally, Bolinder barred Childs from working in a fiduciary capacity with businesses. 

When asked how she pleaded to the two charges, Child’s entered pleas of no contest to both.

Both second-degree felonies hold penalties of up to 15 years in prison. Due to the plea in abeyance, the sentences will be suspended and dismissed upon completion of a 24-month period during which Childs is required not to commit any violations of law, federal, state, or local, except for minor traffic violations.

The restitution payments will be transferred to the Seventh District Court clerk, who will distribute the moneys.