LEBANON — A former veterinary worker accused of stealing nearly $100,000 from a Lebanon animal clinic pleaded guilty Friday to a reduced charge of theft.

        Denise Thornton, sister of Warren County public defender Kevin Thornton, faces up to 18 months in prison when she is sentenced Nov. 22 before visiting Judge Robert Brown.

        The plea came three days before Ms. Thornton, 32, was to go to trial on charges of aggravated theft, a more serious felony, and tampering with records. Conviction on those charges would have carried a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

        Assistant Prosecutor Keith Anderson said he agreed to the plea bargain because he could not readily prove initial allegations that Ms. Thornton stole more than $100,000. The charge was reduced to reflect the amount of money stolen, he said. A charge of tampering also was dismissed.

        “The $100,000 was at least questionable. I think I could have (proven it), but with what we had, it was more like $97,000. It was a bit of a compromise,” Mr. Anderson said after the brief hearing in Warren County Common Pleas Court.

        Authorities said Ms. Thornton pocketed much of the money from clients who paid cash for pet products or veterinary care at Custis Veterinary Hospital from 1994 until March 1998.

        Ms. Thornton could not be reached for comment.

        Mr. Anderson said he did not know what Ms. Thornton did with the money. She remains free on bond until next month's sentencing hearing.

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