Former Walnut Grove city clerk pleads guilty to embezzlement

The ex-city clerk of Walnut Grove pleaded guilty yesterday to embezzling city funds through a credit card fraud scheme.

Cari Gillmore, 45, of Springfield, admitted she conducted financial transactions for personal expenses through credit cards issued by the city of Walnut Grove from January 2014 until she was fired last summer. Her transactions were not related to the business or affairs of the city, according to a news release.

The total loss to the city of Walnut Grove was $67,598. Walnut Grove is located 23 miles northwest of Springfield.

Under federal statutes, Gillmore could face up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled following the presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office, according to the release.