The Paris News

CLARKSVILLE — Former Avery City Secretary Billie Stephenson has entered a plea of not guilty of theft of more than $20,000 but less than $100,000 in City of Avery funds.

Stephenson was indicted Nov. 24 by a Red River County grand jury.

She will go to trial in 6th District Court in Clarksville sometime in February.

An earlier report that she had plead guilty was incorrect.

Lamar County and District Attorney Gary Young, who was named a special prosecutor on the case after Red River County Attorney Val Varley recused himself, is handling the prosecution.

Varley’s recusal came because he earlier had represented the City of Avery.

If convicted, Stephenson could face a sentence of two to 20 years in prison.

Attorney David James is Stephenson’s defense attorney.

Stephenson is accused of taking funds from city accounts and using the money for her own purposes.

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