PARKER – The former employee convicted of stealing more than $173,000 while working for the town of Parker has been sentenced to 3.5-years in the Arizona Department of Corrections. The punishment ordered Feb. 23 by Judge Billy Sipe was stipulated in a plea agreement convicting Jennifer Alcaida, 50, of theft and fraud.
Defense attorney Ross Carponelli requested a two-week continuance of the sentencing hearing, indicating an illness setback didn’t provide time Alcaida needed to get her personal affairs in order before beginning her prison term. Judge Sipe denied the request, saying victims were focused on case outcome and that she had sufficient time to take care of her business.
Carponelli said Alcaida had been manipulated and pressured to participate in the financial scheme by an online boyfriend. Alcaida declined when offered opportunity to comment at her sentencing.
Alcaida worked for Parker for more than 20 years before her employment as an office specialist was terminated after investigation began.
Judge Sipe imposed a lengthy post-prison, seven-year probation period, providing more time for her to make good on court ordered restitution payment.
