LEBANON — A former veterinary worker who admitted stealing nearly $100,000 from a Lebanon animal clinic was sentenced Wednesday to 60 days in jail and five years on probation.

        Denise Thornton, 32, of Morrow, also must repay $97,000 to Custis Veterinary Hospital and continue mental health counseling, visiting Judge Robert M. Brown ordered.

        He said that Ms. Thornton, who recently was hired in a new job, can serve the jail time on her days off work.

        Ms. Thornton pleaded guilty last month to a charge of theft. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss charges of aggravated theft and tampering with records.

        Prosecutors said they initially charged Ms. Thornton with the more serious aggravated theft charge because they thought she had stolen more than $100,000. However, they could not prove that amount, so they reduced that charge to theft in the plea bargain.

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

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