Former Safe House director's charges reduced after plea bargain

The former executive director of a Cape Girardeau women's shelter agreed to a plea bargain Monday to get one of two felony charges dropped.

Authorities say Allison C. Leonard, 44, misappropriated more than $20,000 for personal use from the Safe House for Women. She was charged with one count each of theft and fraudulent use of a credit device.

Leonard pleaded guilty to count one of her charges, a stealing felony of at least $500.

Cape Girardeau County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Angel Woodruff said the state would drop the second charge of fraudulent use of a credit device if Leonard pleaded guilty to count one.

Leonard took an open plea, which means Woodruff can recommend a judge sentence her to the maximum sentence. Woodruff said she also hopes to get restitution up front.

If convicted, Leonard faces up to seven years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Leonard was appointed Safe House executive director in November 2013 and fired a year later. During her tenure, she allegedly used Safe House's credit card to buy items for personal use at Kohl's, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, Rhodes 101 and other businesses, as well as to pay for insurance, her son's university tuition, vehicle taxes, car payments and cellphone bills, according to a probable-cause statement filed in the case.

Before being appointed executive director, Leonard had been the Safe House's director of operations since 2003.

When Circuit Judge Michael Gardner asked Leonard about her alleged offense, she admitted to using a work credit card to pay off personal expenses. When asked whether she was going to return the money, Leonard replied, "I intended to, but I did not."

Leonard is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 21 at the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644