Judge gives Shawnee County taxpayer thief 10 days

TOPEKA (KSNT)—A woman who embezzled $40,000 from Shawnee County taxpayers has been handed a 10-day jail sentence, court records said.

According to court records, Heather Cunningham, who admitted to the crime following her arrest in April 2023, will face a two-year probation period after her jail term. Starting June 21, she will serve her jail time over the weekends, two days at a time. Additionally, she is required to repay the stolen money at a rate of $100 per month over the next 33 years. During her probation, she is prohibited from consuming alcohol or visiting establishments that serve alcohol.

In December, 2023, the Shawnee County District Attorney's Office charged Cunningham for her stealing accusations. The charges include:

• Theft by deception $25,000 to $100,000
• Making false information
• Unlawful acts concerning computers

In December, Shawnee County Treasurer Larry Mah told 27 News the thefts occurred over several months and involved motor vehicle registration fees and property taxes.

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