Woman pleads guilty to stealing from firefighters

A Russellville woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the local volunteer firefighter’s association pleaded guilty Friday to three felony charges.

Pam Gay Taylor, 55, 267 Russell Valley Road, Russellville, pleaded guilty to a 10-year sentence on the two counts of second-degree forgery and a 15-year sentence on the one count of first-degree theft of property, Franklin County Assistant District Attorney Doug Evans said.

On the original indictment issued in April, Taylor was charged with 27 counts of second-degree forgery and one count of first-degree theft of property for stealing about $30,000 over a three-year period from the Franklin County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association where she served as treasurer, Evans said.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said that as a condition of the plea, the state will recommend Taylor serve two years in prison, but Taylor will be allowed to request she serve her sentence through the Franklin County Community Corrections program.

“We plan to oppose Ms. Taylor’s request to serve her sentence through Community Corrections,” Rushing said. “Because of her crimes, we want her to serve the entire two years in prison.”

Rushing added that he met with members of the Franklin County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association before agreeing to the plea.

“Based on that meeting, we felt this would be a fair offer,” Rushing said. “Representatives from the firefighter’s association are also expected to be present at Ms. Taylor’s sentencing hearing to oppose her request for a community correction sentence.”

Taylor’s case is scheduled for sentencing on March 22.