Lake Elmo woman sentenced for theft

A Lake Elmo woman who went on a $75,000 personal spending spree with money belonging to Tubman, a Minneapolis-based domestic abuse and mental health organization, will serve up to 20 years on probation and must pay restitution.

Catherine Mary Anton, 43, bought gift cards, sports equipment, a lawn mower, laminate flooring, two notebook computers and other items and services on four credit cards in Tubman's name, the charges said. The nonprofit was formerly known as Tubman Family Alliance (TFA).

Anton, who was an accounts-payable specialist for Tubman, was convicted in March of a felony charge of theft by swindle. She made 395 purchases between December 2007 and November 2010.

Anton was fired after Tubman managers discovered that the money was missing.

Judge Susan Miles, in sentencing Friday in Washington County District Court, ordered Anton to repay $2,500 to Tubman and $73,467 to River Port Insurance Co. In addition to Anton's supervised probation, she will serve 45 days on out-of-custody Sentence to Service.

KEVIN GILES