A former director of the Iron County Children’s Justice Center has admitted guilt to charges involving financial misconduct. Stephanie Ann Ward-Furnival, who served in this role for many years, entered guilty pleas on January 8th during a virtual court hearing. The charges included theft by deception and misuse of public funds, both initially filed as third-degree felonies but later reduced to class A misdemeanors as part of a plea deal. If Ward-Furnival successfully adheres to the probation conditions set forth by Judge Eric R. Gentry, these charges may be permanently dismissed. Additionally, she must complete community service hours and make restitution payments.

Legal Proceedings and Plea Agreement

The case against Ward-Furnival unfolded in a brief online session presided over by Judge Gentry. At 53 years old, Ward-Furnival faced two significant allegations that were eventually downgraded from felonies to lesser offenses. This decision came after negotiations between legal representatives. As part of her agreement with the court, Ward-Furnival accepted responsibility for actions taken while serving as the Children’s Justice Center director. She agreed to follow specific guidelines outlined in her probation terms.

In detail, the accusations arose from incidents occurring in 2020 and 2021 when Ward-Furnival allegedly submitted numerous claims for mileage reimbursement related to meetings. Court documents suggest that some of these meetings were conducted virtually or not attended by her at all. The fraudulent claims led to her facing serious legal consequences. However, through the plea bargain, Ward-Furnival avoided the more severe felony convictions. Instead, she will undergo a period of probation with strict conditions that, if met, could lead to the eventual dismissal of the charges.

Consequences and Reparations

Beyond accepting the reduced charges, Ward-Furnival faces additional obligations imposed by the court. These include performing community service and making financial reparations to Iron County. The court mandated that she contribute 24 hours of unpaid work to benefit the community. Furthermore, Ward-Furnival must repay $2,730.20 in restitution, along with a fine of $300. Payments are structured in monthly installments starting from February 1st.

To ensure compliance with the court’s requirements, Ward-Furnival must diligently fulfill her community service hours and adhere to the repayment schedule. Her actions will be closely monitored during the probationary period. If she successfully meets all conditions, the charges against her may be dismissed, allowing her to move forward without the stigma of a criminal conviction. This outcome underscores the importance of accountability and rehabilitation in the justice system, providing an opportunity for personal redemption and community restoration.