Attorney pleads no contest to grand theft

Scholten had faced five felony charges, including embezzlement, for allegedly taking money from the trust account of a client.

Scholten allegedly spent nearly $24,000 from the account, including checks written to Charter Communications, Pacific Power and several casinos, including Elk Valley, Lucky 7 and Seven Feathers.

District Attorney Mike Riese said pleading no contest to a felony is really about semantics.

Scholten doesn’t agree, although she could be sentenced to up to 16 months in prison.

“I don’t feel like I did anything wrong other than poor accounting,” Scholten said. “I refuse to admit any wrongdoing. I’m entering this plea because if it goes to trial it could end up much worse.”

Riese said he was happy with the outcome.

“The number one thing is that I am pleased that the victims have gotten all their money back plus interest,” Riese said. “It is upsetting that it took this office and taxpayer’s money to get it back.”

Scholten paid restitution in a series of payments that culminated with her appearance in court Monday.

California law requires a probation review prior to sentencing.

“I will definitely be asking for some jail time, and possibly some form of gambling addiction counseling,” Riese said.