Guilty Plea and Admission
A former employee of the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, Yolanda Ward, 40, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to stealing park admission fees, according to federal prosecutors.
Details of the Theft
Ward admitted to removing cash deposits from a safe and using the money for personal expenses while employed as a supervisor at the military park from 2017 to 2019. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi detailed her actions in a news release.
Use of Stolen Funds
Authorities revealed that Ward used the stolen funds to gamble at a local casino and to pay personal bills. Additionally, she provided some of the money to relatives for gambling purposes, the news release stated.
Legal Consequences
Ward faces severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 4.
