Muskegon, MICHIGAN

Dec 21, 2007 - A teacher who was arrested for stealing money from the school's orchestra parents organization has been allowed to retire.

Helen Rosanna Hayes, 54, an orchestra teacher at Muskegon High School, was arraigned on a felony charge of uttering and publishing. (See Wikipedia entry for uttering and publishing for definition.) Muskegon police said she allegedly stole $1,650 over several months, beginning in November of 2006. . She has been on paid leave for two months. The school board allowed her to retire

A Preliminary examination is scheduled for Dec. 28.

GUILTY PLEA Feb 22, 2008 - Hayes pleaded guilty has pleaded guilty as charged to felony check fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for April 8. Muskegon County Circuit Judge William C. Marietti agreed at no more than 90 days in jail, with a sentence of probation on electronic tether if she pays full restitution before sentencing.

SENTENCED (sorta) April 8 - Having paid full restitution, Hayes was sentenced to two days in jail, already served; a year on probation, with the first 88 days to be spent on tether; 50 hours of community service; and $570 in fines and costs, plus $10 per month probation oversight fee.

Sentenced by 14th Circuit Judge William C. Marietti