Former UM Employee To Get 5 Years With Corrections

A former University of Montana housing employee accused of embezzling more than $300,000 is expected to be sentenced to 20 years with the state Department of Corrections, with 15 years suspended.

Christine Bitterman appeared for sentencing Monday, but District Judge Dusty Deschamps continued the hearing until next month after the defense requested the opportunity to gather witnesses to speak on the woman's behalf.  The judge did, however, say he would follow a plea agreement in the case.

Prosecutors say Bitterman skimmed money from cash payments while she worked for Montana Residence Life. Court records say UM's internal audit estimated that as much as $304,000 was stolen.

The scheme ran from 2003 through July 2010, and Bitterman pleaded guilty in August to five felony counts of theft.

Associated Press