March 13--TUNKHANNOCK -- A 43-year-old Luzerne woman who admitted taking more than $34,000 that once belonged to the Noxen Volunteer Fire Company was sentenced Wednesday to 10 to 48 months in state prison.
Robin Ann Gorton-Parrish told Wyoming County President Judge Russell Shurtleff that she was sorry for what she'd done, "and I know I have to be punished for my actions."
Her attorney Jonathan Blum acknowledged when Gorton-Parrish pleaded guilty to the charges in November, but was then found to be under the influence of heroin and thrown in jail at that time.
"Jail has been a real eye opener for her," Blum said.
He noted she had no previous record and hoped whatever sentence she received for separate theft and forgery charges could be served concurrently.
But Wyoming County District Attorney Jeff Mitchell was insistent any sentences be served consecutively as he said they were two distinct charges.
The judge chose the latter path with nine to 36 months in state prison and $17,651 in restitution for the theft charge and one to 12 months and $16,532 in restitution for forgery, plus $1,000 in fines.
Shurtleff said it was warranted given that although she was a one-time member of the fire company supposed to keep individuals safe, she had "a complete disregard to protecting citizens of Wyoming County."
Gorton-Parrish served the fire company as treasurer for 2 1/2 years.
According to court documents, Noxen fire Chief Lewis Hackling tried to cash a check for $1,140 for supplies for the 2013 Rattlesnake Roundup, but was told by First Liberty Bank that the department had insufficient funds.
Records show Hackling discovered no deposit had been made from an April breakfast after which $2,100 should have been deposited.
Also, following a PowWow in May in which Gorton-Parrish should have deposited $5,322.50, only $990.55 was deposited. Hackling confronted Gorton-Parrish, and records show she responded via text message.
Copyright 2014 - The Citizens' Voice, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
