Woman sentenced in theft

A Blue Springs woman will serve a five-year probation sentence for theft and forgery charges.

Amy L. Gerling of Blue Springs was found guilty Friday of one count theft and two counts of forgery. A sentence of seven years in jail was imposed by Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Michael Manners, but was then suspended.

However, if terms of the probation are violated, the seven-year sentence could be imposed.

Gerling was accused of stealing approximately $20,000 while she was employed as an administrative assistant at Realty Professionals Heartland LLC in Blue Springs. The offenses were believed to have occurred from September 2005 to July 2006 when Gerling was employed as an administrative assistant.

According to Christine A. Willis, a Jackson County prosecuting attorney, Gerling had written company checks to herself.

“She either cashed or deposited them for her benefit,” Willis said.

As part of her probation, Gerling was ordered to pay $24,022 in restitution, or $500 per month beginning Sept. 1. The amount reflects the theft and the approximate $3,000 in investigation costs by Heartland.

Gerling also was ordered to complete 40 hours of community service.

Gerling’s attorney, Sean W. Pickett, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.