Schneider Avoids Jail Time, Felony Conviction

The hearing for the Sunman Clerk Treasurer who used a town credit card for personal purchases avoided jail time and a felony conviction.

Kris Schneider, 54, was in front of Special Judge Jon Webster from Jennings County on Friday morning. Webster ruled to drop the Official Misconduct Class D felony charge to a Class A misdemeanor.

If Schneider had faced the felony charge, she could have received a prison sentence between six months and three years and up to a $10,000 fine. The class A misdemeanor resulted in one year of reporting probation.

Schneider had made full restitution prior to her December 2012 arrest, which may have contributed to her receiving the lesser sentence. According to the Osgood Journal, Schneider used Sunman’s credit card to make personal purchases amounting to $3,600 between 2009-2011.

She has served as the town clerk for 23 years, but it remains unclear if she will continue to hold office after Friday’s conviction.

The Osgood Journal indicated that the presiding judge will send a sentencing order to a committee that will consider if it warrants a dismissal from office.