KINGWOOD — A former Kingwood city employee was sentenced to three years probation this week.
At an earlier hearing, Dana Robert Cobb pleaded guilty to taking money from the transfer station where he was employed.
Under a binding plea agreement, Cobb pleaded guilty to charges of felony grand larceny by fraudulent scheme.
At Cobb’s sentencing hearing Monday, Preston Judge Steven Shaffer expressed concerns. Cobb was sentenced to one to 10 years in prison. The sentence was suspended and he was placed on three years of probation.
“As I read through the pre-investigation report, I am concerned,” Shaffer said. “If the money is not paid back, probation will have to be extended or you will be in violation of parole.”
“They accused me of taking $30,000,” Cobb told the court. “I believe I took about $2,000 or $2,500.”
Shaffer told Cobb he wanted to make sure he knew what amount the city might ask for in restitution.
“If he can’t pay it back —- that’s my concern,” Shaffer said. “I don’t like to set people up for failure.”
Cobb’s attorney, Sally Collins, told the court the defense was given the receipts from the transfer station by the prosecution.
“We’re going through the receipts and figuring out what it is he will have to pay,” she said.
According to the criminal complaint by Preston Sheriff’s Capt. J.H. Bryan, Cobb would collect money for trash brought to the city transfer station, then write receipts to customer for the full amount but receipts for $1.50 — one bag — for the city and pocket the difference.
The city believes as much as $30,488 was taken, according to the complaint.
Shaffer said unless the parties can come to an agreement about restitution, a restitution hearing will be held later.
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