monopoly_money.jpgA former San Francisco State University student who ran the school’s cheerleading club pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling nearly $20,000 from the team, according to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

Ashlee Haley, 24, was arrested in September and charged with 12 felony counts of grand theft, 16 counts of obtaining money by false pretenses, and one felony count of embezzlement, according to the district attorney’s office.

Prosecutors said Haley, an Oakland resident, had been elected as the coach of the Gators Cheerleading Club by the other cheerleaders, and served as the team’s treasurer.

She took money from members to pay for cheerleading camp, uniforms and other expenses, but then allegedly used the cash for personal items such as food, entertainment, airline tickets, clothing and rent, according to the district attorney’s office.

Haley was a student and not a paid employee of the university, and has since left the school without graduating, university officials said.

She pleaded guilty Monday as part of a sentencing agreement that includes five days in county jail, three years’ probation, 200 hours of community service, various fees and fines, and $14,684.02 in restitution, prosecutors said.

The court may reduce the conviction to a misdemeanor after Haley pays the restitution amount.

Haley is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8.

Dan McMenamin, Bay City News

Want more news, sent to your inbox every day? Then how about subscribing to our email newsletter? Here’s why we think you should. Come on, give it a try.

Please make sure your comment adheres to our comment policy. If it doesn't, it may be deleted. Repeat violations may cause us to revoke your commenting privileges. No one wants that!