On Sept. 20, Sally H. Kirby, former finance director of Hunger Free Vermont, appeared in court for her sentencing on charges of embezzlement from Vermont’s leading anti-hunger organization. Kirby was sentenced to 15 months in prison with three years of probation and is ordered to pay full restitution of the stolen $165,000 plus additional expenses the organization incurred to repair the accounting systems.
Going forward, Kirby is required to pay 10 percent of her future income to Hunger Free Vermont until the money is paid in full. However, it was acknowledged throughout the hearing that given her circumstances, it is unlikely the organization will receive the full or any significant restitution.
“We are grateful to Judge Sessions for acknowledging this crime was not only against the staff and board at Hunger Free Vermont and those we serve, but that it was a crime against our whole community,” remarked Marissa Parisi, executive director of Hunger Free Vermont.
