Woman who embezzled from Corbin doctor’s office gets shock probation

A Corbin woman, who allegedly embezzled $35,919 from her employer, Dr. Richard Park, was granted shock probation Monday morning.

Tina Marie. Walters, 40, pleaded guilty Sept. 10, 2008, to 82 counts of theft by failure to make required disposition of property rather than stand trial.

The plea agreement called for Walters to pay restitution and receive one year in prison on each count with many of the sentences being served concurrently, or at the same time, for a total sentence of 10 years in prison.

Special Judge Roderick Messer granted a request by Walter’s attorney, Ron Reynolds, for shock probation.

"She has served about eight months," said Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Trimble. "When I got the motion, I talked with Dr. Park and he had no objection to shock probation."

Corbin Police Capt. Tim Helton, who investigated the case, started his investigation after an audit showed money was missing, and arrested Walters on March 23, 2007, after she allegedly admitted her involvement during an interview with police.

Police recovered none of the money, and Helton said Walters blamed the thefts on a gambling addiction.
Walters had been employed by Park since 1994 working as his business accounts manager.

"She handled billing and finances for them," Helton said. "Sometimes, small businesses begin to trust people and they let things get a little lax. I know there’s an accountant there now."