Former Teacher Admits Embezzling $433K From Union

SNOW HILL, Md. (AP) -- A former middle school teacher has pleaded guilty to charges that she embezzled $433,000 from the Worcester County teachers' union.

The Daily Times of Salisbury reports that Denise Owens admitted she stole the money to finance her gambling addiction.

Prosecutors say Owens visited casinos in Delaware more than 600 times over a 3-year period and gambled more than $1 million.

Owens, 58, apologized for her actions in court Tuesday, saying she knew she was wrong from the minute she started stealing. She said she was relieved to have been caught.

A judge sentenced her to two years in prison and ordered her to repay $211,000. Her attorney, Robert Marvel Jr., says Owens has already paid back about $195,000.

Information from: The Daily Times of Salisbury, Md., http://www.delmarvanow.com/

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