Fremont woman makes plea deal in embezzlement of nearly $2.5 million from Gavilon elevator

A Fremont woman tied to an embezzlement scheme that netted nearly $2.5 million has been convicted on three misdemeanor counts.

Kathy Springer-Hesman, 51, pleaded no contest Thursday to receiving stolen property and two counts of attempted filing of false tax returns, the Fremont Tribune said (http://bit.ly/1GHhxoz ). Prosecutors had lowered some charges and dropped others in return for her pleas. Dodge County Attorney Oliver Glass said Springer-Hesman faces up to three years in prison at her sentencing, which is set for March 27.

Springer-Hesman and Joleen Cameron, 43, are accused of helping Cameron's father, Dennis Hesman, steal from his employer. The 66-year-old Hesman, who died in August, had pleaded not guilty to accusations that he created fake grain receipts at the Fremont grain elevator he ran for Gavilon, the Omaha-based commodities company.

Investigators said they found 307 examples of documents falsified between 2007 and 2013.

At Thursday's hearing, Glass said Gavilon's loss has been covered by its insurer, which is taking civil action against Springer-Hesman. Her lack of criminal history and willingness to pay restitution were factors in her being charged with misdemeanors, Glass said.

A court document says Hesman's daughter, Cameron, also has worked out a plea deal and has been granted a continuance of her arraignment until Feb. 11. The document did not provide details on her agreement with prosecutors.

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Information from: Fremont Tribune, http://www.fremontneb.com