PIERRE, S.D. (KELO-AM) -- Marna Jayne Gietzen, 49, Sioux Falls, pleaded guilty to embezzlement and was sentenced to serve 4 years in the state penitentiary with 4 years suspended under the condition that she serve time in the county jail.
Second Circuit Court Judge Robin Jacobson Houwman suspended the execution of sentence on several conditions. Judge Houwman ordered Gietzento serve 45 days in county jail, 2.5 years of probation, and ordered Gietzento pay a total of $5,472.60 in restitution.Gietzen paid the restitution in full on March 3, 2017.
“Ms. Gietzen abused her position of trust in providing care to our disabled,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley.“Our citizens with disabilities deserve the best possible care, and we will hold accountable those who seek to profit at their expense.”
Gietzen pleaded guilty in Minnehaha County to embezzlement, a class 5 felony, pursuant to a plea agreement reached with the State. Gietzen admitted that she knowingly and intentionally diverted funds while Gietzen worked at a facility that provides care to disabled clients.