AUGUSTA — The Winslow woman who has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from two local youth athletics groups pleaded not guilty to three counts of theft Tuesday morning in Kennebec County Superior Court.

Wendi Willette, 41, is charged with stealing more than $10,000 from the Winslow High School Wrestling Booster Club, where she was treasurer; and with trying to steal money from the China Girls Field Hockey Team, which she helped to organize.

The three theft charges carry with them a maximum combined penalty of 20 years in prison and $30,000 in fines.

Maeghan Maloney, district attorney for Kennebec and Somerset counties, has said she is working with Willette’s attorney, Sherry Tash, on a plea deal that would include restitution paid to the two organizations.

Booster club officers say that, over a period of nearly three years, Willette depleted the club’s bank account from a high of about $20,000 to just $54.

In court Tuesday morning, Tash said there were many financial documents to review in the case and asked for 45 days to file motions in the case.

Willette stood beside Tash, quietly answering the judge’s questions as she submitted her not guilty plea.

Afterward, Willette declined to comment on the case.

Willette’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 3.


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