Ex-court clerk gets probation for embezzling

Friday, Aug. 17, 2001 | 11:06 a.m.

A former Goodsprings Justice Court clerk was placed on five years' probation Thursday and told to stay away from casinos after pleading guilty to embezzling from the court.

District Judge Mark Gibbons could have given Alice Kukec as much as five years in prison for stealing almost $40,000 in traffic fines during a three-year period.

Gibbons placed Kukec on probation instead, saying she has already paid back $18,000 of the money she stole and appears to be remorseful.

Authorities say Kukec began pocketing cash from traffic fines in October 1997 and continued the practice up through September 2000.

Justice of the Peace Dawn Haviland has said she was forced to quash numerous arrest warrants that had been issued for non-payment of fines because she had no way of knowing if the fines had been paid. She also had to forgive unpaid fines for the same reason.

The judge declined to speculate on the total dollar amount lost as a result.

Gibbons told Kukec her actions have given others in the criminal justice system a "black eye."

The judge ordered Kukec to attend Gambler's Anonymous meetings, obtain counseling and stay out of gaming establishments. She must also re-pay the rest of the money she stole.

If Kukec violates her probation, she could receive a 12- to 30-month prison sentence.