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Pom group, ex-treasurer near deal

The attorney for a woman who admitted stealing money from a Warren Township cheerleading group told a Lake County judge on Tuesday he is close to a restitution settlement with the group.

Mary Lee Puccio, 47, is already on probation after pleading guilty to embezzling money from the Warren Township Cheer and Pom Program while serving as the group's treasurer between 2003 and 2006.

But even though Puccio, of 1421 W. Lawn Ave., Warren Township, pleaded guilty to felony theft in November, the amount of money stolen remains in dispute.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Christen Bishop said Puccio wrote at least 35 checks to herself, and the organization lost other money through fees Puccio did not pay.

Bishop said she believes the group lost around $30,000 because of Puccio, but defense attorney Jeff Spitalli claimed his client thinks the amount was around $8,000.

Lake County Circuit Judge John Phillips had scheduled a hearing for Tuesday to determine the amount Puccio would have to repay the group. However, Spitalli said the parties are close to settling the matter themselves.

Spitalli said he has had discussions with Bishop and Charles Smith, an attorney representing the organization, that he believes will result in a settlement by next week.

None of the parties in the negotiations would comment on the amount of the settlement. Phillips scheduled another conference for Feb. 15 for possible finalization of the deal.

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