Former Safe House director sentenced to 5 years in prison

The former executive director of a Cape Girardeau women's shelter soon will be reporting to the Missouri Department of Corrections.

On Monday, Judge Michael Gardner sentenced Allison Leonard, 44, to five years in prison.

The court retained jurisdiction for 120 days for Leonard to serve shock incarceration. If she successfully completes the 120 days, Gardner has the option to release her and place her on probation.

If he places her on probation after the 120 days, she would be ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $20,800.

Authorities say Leonard misappropriated more than $20,000 for personal use from the Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau.

In August, Leonard agreed to a plea bargain and got one of two felony charges dropped. She pleaded guilty to theft, while a charge of fraudulent use of a credit device was dropped.

Leonard could have received a maximum sentence of seven years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Leonard took over as Safe House executive director in November 2013 and was fired a year later. During her time at the shelter, she allegedly used its credit card to buy items at Kohl's, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, Rhodes 101 and other businesses, as well as to pay for insurance, tuition for her son, vehicle taxes and payments and cellphone bills, according to a probable-cause statement filed in the case.

Before becoming executive director, Leonard had been Safe House's director of operations since 2003.

kwebster@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

100 Court St., Jackson, MO