January 23, 2009

AUGUSTA, Ga.---A former bank worker in Waynesboro has been sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing money over a 13-year period.

Linda Burch of Midville entered a guilty plea in October. She had worked at First National Bank in Waynesboro.

U.S. District Judge Randall Hall sentenced her to more than the advisory guidelines for that type of crime and plea. Burch will be required to pay back more than $611,000 and will be on five years of supervised release after she gets out of prison. She must also complete 150 hours of community service.

Before her guilty plea, Ms. Burch told members of her church what she had done. Testimony from the bank president and others was heard during the sentencing hearing.