NORTH ADAMS -- A restitution hearing was scheduled at Northern Berkshire District Court on Monday that will determine the amount owed by a city woman charged with larceny from Northern Berkshire School Union.
Carol A. Fryc, 71, of Arnold Place, will appear in court at the Sept. 26 hearing, as authorities involved with the case continue to comb through the school union’s audits.
Prosecuting attorney Michael J. Sims has recommended a guilty finding, a sentencing to one year in a house of correction with six months served, and payment of $28,026.81 in restitution.
Fryc’s attorney, Fred Thompson, advocates one year probation and restitution "to be determined," but thousands less than the prosecution’s figure.
Fryc, a former employee of the school union, was terminated along with Donna M. Burdick in August 2011.
At that time, it was discovered that the office’s Staples and Walmart credit cards had been used for more than $30,000 in fraudulent purchases from 2004 and 2011, the period investigated by Massachusetts State Police.
On July 13, Burdick, 57, of South County Road in Drury, submitted a plea on her charge of larceny over $250 and paid $11,272 in restitution. Burdick was also given probation until July 2013.
The prosecution fixed upon a higher sum for Fryc’s suggested restitution because, according to police reports, the school union credit cards and accounts were mostly under
According to police reports filed by State Police Detective Matthew S. Boyer, the State Police Detective Unit alleged that unauthorized purchases from the stores included gift cards, gas cards, cordless phones, mini-book computers, snacks, pet food and personal care items, among other merchandise.
A statement submitted by Fryc spoke of financial troubles that led to the larcenies and asked for leniency from the court. A second statement from Thompson said Fryc intends to fully pay the restitution once a figure is settled upon using funds from her pension.
To reach Phil Demers, email pdemers@thetranscript.com.
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