Tea Fire's Bookkeeper Expected In Court

A Tea Volunteer Fire Department bookkeeper accused of embezzlement is expected to face a judge Tuesday morning.

Forty-six-year-old Denae Baustian was also a volunteer firefighter.  She's charged with grand theft, accused of taking more than $170,000 over a two-year period from the Tea Fire Department.

The department's new president took over in October and noticed financial discrepancies while becoming more familiar with the department's accounts.  That led to an investigation and Baustian to step down. 

If convicted of grand theft, she could face up to 15 years in prison.

We'll have the latest on the case today on KELOLAND News and KELOLAND.com.