The former administrator charged with stealing more than $20,000 from the foundation supporting the University of Virginia’s undergraduate business school has pleaded guilty.

Former McIntire School of Commerce Foundation employee Yvonne Elizabeth Hillman, 37, pleaded guilty to a single count of embezzlement last month and received a suspended sentence.

“Ms. Hillman was going through a difficult time at that time financially,” her lawyer Samantha Freed told the court.

The hearing, held Aug. 18 in Albemarle County Circuit Court, closed a painful chapter in Hillman’s life, but her debt to the foundation was closed earlier, as the prosecutor revealed she has already repaid the full sum.

Still, questions remained, including one from the judge.

“Did anyone ever discuss with her why this was

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