A Clarinda woman facing a jury trial over the theft of funds from the Clarinda High School Athletic Booster Club has instead plead guilty to the charges filed against her. 52-year-old Cynthia Ann Gerdts entered her plea Monday,  in Page County District Court.  Gerdts had faced a felony charge of Theft in the 2nd degree, and an Aggravated Misdemeanor charge of Theft in the 3rd degree. She was granted a deferred judgement and ordered to pay restitution to the Booster Club amounting to just over $25,600.

The judge also placed Gerdts on two-years probation in association with the felony charge, and ordered the woman to stay with a gambling treatment program. She must also complete 365 hours of community service over the next two years. On the second charge, the judge sentenced Gerdts to two-years in prison, but then suspended the entire term. The case against her was prosecuted by the Page County Attorney’s office.