WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The former mayor of Fort Gay and the town’s former treasurer/recorder were each sentenced Thursday to at least a year in prison for embezzlement.

Joetta Hatfield, the former mayor, and Sheila Bowen, the former treasurer/recorder, appeared before a judge in Wayne County Circuit Court.

In both cases, the judge imposed a harsher penalty than the prosecution had recommended.

Both women must serve not more than 10 years but at least a year behind bars.

Investigators said both women embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars in public funds.

During the sentencing hearing, Hatfield read a letter apologizing for her actions. She said she was ashamed of her actions and acknowledged her mistakes.

“I am deeply remorseful for my actions,” Hatfield said.

She added th

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