Former Kentuck Art Center director pleads guilty to theft | News

NORTHPORT, AL (WBRC)- The former director of Northport's Kentuck Art Center has pleaded guilty to first-degree theft for stealing from the museum.

Sara Anne Gibson admitted stealing thousands of dollars while working at there between 2003 and 2009.

A judge sentenced the 56-year-old to three years in jail and seven years on probation for her crimes. Judge Brad Almond will decide at a later date how much restitution Gibson must pay.

Gibson worked in several positions at the museum for over 30 years. She resigned in 2009 when the theft allegations surfaced.

Current Kentuck director Shweta Gamble said in a statement:

"We are grateful to local law enforcement and the courts for resolving the criminal case. Kentuck has long moved past this incident, and is on sound financial footing focused on growth and the future. We are planning for the 42nd annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts in the fall and expanding our year-round community programming at the Kentuck Art Center."

As many as 15,000 people attend the annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts. The Kentuck Arts Center and museum is open year-round.

Copyright 2013 WBRC. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.