“I’m just glad it’s over and I’m hoping that some day the truth will come out,” Kimes told the Messenger following Friday’s hearing. Kimes had not spoken to the media during the duration of the case.
After initially declining to make a statement during the sentencing hearing, at the insistence of Judge Michael Ward, Kimes addressed the court.
“I’m sorry for the last two years of the court’s time. I want to get on with my life with my family and grandkids,” stated Kimes.
Kimes was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,500 which is the deductible for the county’s insurance which will cover the remainder of the amount. She has already paid that amount according to special prosecutor Melissa Schiffel during the hearing.
Kimes is also no longer allowed to serve in a role where she would manage money such as treasurer of an organization or non-profit. As part of her community control, Kimes must complete 500 hours of community service (100 hours per year).
Ward also ordered Kimes to write a letter of apology to the Meigs County Commissioners and the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office within seven days.
Kimes was indicted exactly two years before on eight counts of theft in office, each of which alleged that she took more than $7,500 in funds while serving in her capacity as secretary to the Meigs County Sheriff. She could have faced up to 40 years in prison.
By entering an Alford plea to the single count of theft Kimes faced a maximum of 12 months in prison.
As part of the plea agreement the remaining counts were dismissed.
“We feel it was an appropriate outcome,” said Attorney General’s Office spokesperson Jill Del Greco. She stated that the settlement and agreement had been approved by the Meigs County Commissioners and sheriff’s office who were the victims in the case.
Kimes’ attorney David Baer stated during the hearing that the stress of the matter had made an impact on Kimes both mentally and physically over the past two years.
Kimes served as secretary for two prior Meigs County sheriffs, but had left the position prior to current Sheriff Keith Wood beginning his term as sheriff.
Kimes faced trial the first time in July of 2014, but a jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on any of the eight counts, resulting in a hung jury.
A jury that sat through a week-long trial took two days to impanel because the court did not have enough citizens to fill the jury box, according to previous Messenger reporting.
Kimes entered the Alford plea the day before her second jury trial was scheduled to begin.