Guilty plea reached in South Pontotoc High School embezzlement case

PONTOTOC COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The prosecution of a former bookkeeper at South Pontotoc High school is over.

Auditor Stacey Pickering’s office says Dianne Barefield pleaded guilty to stealing tens of thousands of dollars from club and activity funds from the school.

Dianne Barefield

She was charged with embezzlement last May and entered the plea deal this month.

Barefield was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 18 suspended.

The 2 years remaining will be served under house arrest.

She also paid back the $64,000 plus she admitted taking the day she entered her plea.