PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A Pierre woman is sentenced to five years in the South Dakota Women’s Prison for embezzling over 20-thousand dollars from a Pierre auto dealer.  However 30-year-old Courtney Hall will only serve a year behind bars.

Hughes County States Attorney Jessica LeMie says that percentage is 35-percent or at least four months and nine days before Hall becomes eligible for parole.  Hall, also as a part of a plea agreement, paid back the entire amount she stole from Wegner Auto; 20-thousand 396-dollars.

LeMie and Hall’s attorney Rob Konrad jointly recommended a 15-day jail term in the Hughes County Jail so that Hall could return to her family sooner.  Sixth Circuit Judge Bridget Mayer chose to deviate from the recommendation.

In court, Hall says she was deeply sorry for hurting people she didn’t want to hurt and that she was trying to do better for herself and family.  Hall paid the money back through a loan and refinancing of her home.