Judge accepts plea deal in fraud case

BROOKSVILLE –
When the bailiff called Jennifer Rickert’s case Tuesday, prosecutors from the state attorney’s office informed Judge Anthony Tatti that the defendant was in the hallway, reviewing a plea agreement.

Just moments later, Tatti accepted Rickert’s plea of no contest to felony fraud of less than $20,000. Rickert’s case was set to go to trial on Feb. 11, and the 33-year-old Spring Hill woman faced up to five years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutor Michael Conageski said Rickert used her employer’s Sam’s Club card to make purchases from April 2011 through November 2011. At the time, Rickert worked as an assistant to Dr. Keith Stolte of Stolte Eye Center in Spring Hill.

The deal stipulated Rickert will be sentenced to three years of probation for her no-contest plea, and will not be adjudicated guilty. Rickert will perform 80 hours of community service and submit a DNA sample and fingerprints. The former ophthalmologist’s assistant can petition for early termination after a year and a half if the terms are met.

According to a sheriff’s office report at the time of her arrest, Rickert used her employer’s card to make $2,879 of illegal purchases. An arrest affidavit also said on one occasion Rickert pocketed her employer’s cash intended for a bank deposit. Stolte only had documentation to prove the single offense, but he suspected Rickert had kept deposit money for herself on several occasions, Hernando Today previously reported. Stolte believed Rickert had taken about $100 a day.

Tatti asked Rickert if she had anything to say to him or the court before he made his decision.

“I guess not,” said Rickert.

Rickert also will pay restitutions for the money she took. The two parties are deciding on the amount.

Court records show this is the first time Rickert has been charged with a felony offense.