Published: December 01, 2008 06:34 pm      

Laurent, Strange get probation for embezzlement

POPLARVILLE — Two individuals charged with embezzlement in two separate cases both pleaded guilty and both received five years of non-adjudicated probation.

Leo Laurent and Ashley Strange were both in Pearl River County’s Circuit Court on Monday to face the charges against them. Circuit Court Judge Michael Eubanks presided.

Laurent pleaded guilty on Nov. 24, to the charges against him for embezzlement during his employment at the Picayune CVS pharmacy. He was sentenced to five years of non-adjudicated probation, and four to six months in the Regimented Inmate Discipline and the ACTS program. He also was ordered to pay $5,100 in fines, court costs and restitution.

Laurent, 31, also is facing separate murder charges out of Hancock County for the 2007 death of his wife, Brandi Laurent.

Strange, 19, was charged with embezzlement dealing with Western Union transactions during her employment with Winn-Dixie in Picayune. Charges against her were listed in police reports and a news story alleging her possible romantic involvement with a Picayune Police officer.

She pleaded guilty on Monday to the embezzlement charge against her and was sentenced to five years of non-adjudicated probation. RID was deferred because of her current status as a college student.