Water-agency embezzler given seven-year sentence

A judge has sentenced a former general manager of the Southeast White County Water Association to seven years in prison for theft of property.

Diana Woodle of Searcy pleaded guilty to the charge in White County Circuit Court in Searcy on Wednesday, Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Reed McCoy said Thursday.

Judge Robert Edwards also gave Woodle an additional suspended sentence of four years and ordered her to pay $26,880 in restitution to the state for the cost of a legislative audit connected with her case. Under terms of her sentence, Woodle would begin paying the restitution in monthly installments after she gets out of prison.

McCoy said Woodle would be eligible for parole after serving one-sixth of her seven-year sentence.

Woodle was accused of stealing property worth more than $360,000.

Woodle pleaded guilty to allegations, including overpayment of her salary, using the water company’s credit card for unauthorized purchases and other misuses of company resources. Her actions took place between Jan. 1, 2011, and April 7, 2016, according to an Arkansas State Police affidavit in her case.

During sentencing Wednesday, Woodle said, “To God be the glory of all He hath done,” according to The Daily Citizen. McCoy confirmed the statement Thursday.

Woodle’s attorney did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment Thursday.

Brandon Lee Johnson, a former technician for the water company, is awaiting trial on a theft-of-property charge.

State auditors found that Johnson had received $42,230 “in personal credit charges without authorization that he was not entitled to” between Jan. 1, 2011, and April 5, 2016.