Zanesville Woman Sentenced in Fire Department Theft

A Zanesville woman accused of theft from the Falls Township Fire Department appeared in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court Monday for her sentencing.  The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office says 52-year-old Kristie Howard plead guilty to one count of theft, 8 counts of forgery and one count of telecommunications fraud on August 28th.  Judge Mark Fleegle sentenced Howard to 6 years in prison and she was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $578,974.   Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz says Howard was in charge of billing and records at the fire department. The investigation began in March of 2016.