SCCU worker gets 100 days jail, second chance

A former Superior Choice Credit Union employee who pilfered more than $10,000 from customers’ accounts will spend 100 days in jail, but may avoid a felony conviction.

Shawn Wayne Johnstad, 21, of South Range pleaded guilty Thursday in Douglas County Circuit Court to one count felony theft and two counts misdemeanor theft for taking $14,030 out of the accounts of two SCCU customers over a period of six months for his own use.

Judge Kelly Thimm accepted a plea agreement proposed by Johnstad’s attorney Rick Gondik and Assistant District Attorney Mark Fruehauf. On the misdemeanor counts, Johnstad was sentenced to two years probation, 100 days in jail. Huber work release was granted. In addition, Johnstad must undergo a mental health evaluation and follow any recommendations, pay court costs and cooperate with any effort by a bank bonding company to bar the South Range man from future employment in financial institutions. Restitution of $14,030 has already been paid.

The misdemeanor counts could be wiped off Johnstad’s record, or expunged, if he successfully completes probation.

On the felony count, Thimm entered a deferred judgment of conviction agreement. The five-year agreement would drop the theft charge to a misdemeanor with no further penalties if Johnstad successfully completes his probation and stays out of trouble with the law. Gondik indicated he might seek expunction of that charge, as well, in the future.

Gondik told the court the agreement was in the best interest of both the state and his client.

Fruehauf said it struck a balance by providing both a serious consequence and a chance for the young man to prove himself. Thimm told Johnstad that if both his probation and deferred judgment of conviction were revoked, he could face up to 11 years and eight months in prison.

“This is your last opportunity for changing your ways and I believe you’re going to,” the judge told Johnstad. “This behavior can’t be tolerated.”

While the 21-year-old can’t change what happened, Thimm said, he can change the future and make amends for his actions.

“I don’t want to see you back here for sentencing,” the judge told Johnstad.

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