The former Executive Director of the Kosciusko Board of Realtors was sentenced in Kosciusko County Superior Court II this morning to serve a year and a half in prison.

In April, Elizabeth Kennedy, 52, pleaded guilty to two class D felony theft charges. Warsaw Police arrested her last August after members of the KBOR reported Kennedy had been making unauthorized personal charges and purchases with the company account over a course of 4 years to 6 years.

The total amount taken by Kennedy was estimated at $28,000, however, Judge James Jarrett could only sentence Kennedy for two charges that were filed against her. Those charges included the theft of $1,418.78, a total she was also ordered to pay back to the KBOR as part of her sentencing.

Following his decision, Judge Jarrett told Kennedy, “Your conduct was not acceptable. When you get out (of prison), your future – what happens to you – is always in your hands. What happens when you make a bad decision then falls into the hands of a stranger, like me.”

During the investigation, police say purchases were made by Kennedy from the KBOR funds for herself, her family, and an acquaintance. Kennedy then manipulated funds from the organizations different accounts to hide the thefts.

Kennedy confessed to the thefts during the investigation.

Her total sentence included 3 years in prison, but Judge Jarrett suspended a year and a half and ordered her to serve that time on probation. In all, Kennedy has to pay $330 in court costs and restitution to the KBOR in the total of $1,418.78.

Kennedy made no statement during the sentencing, which was attended by nearly a dozen local realtors. She was immediately ordered remanded to the custody of the Kosciusko County Sheriff.