By Deb Murphy
Today, on what would have been the first day for witness testimony in the Dawndee Rossy embezzlement trial, Inyo County District Attorney Tom Hardy offered Rossy a plea deal of eight years in state prison.
Appointed Judge Phillip Argento said Hardy made the offer reluctantly.
After consulting with his client, attorney David Evans asked for a continuance until 9 a.m. Thursday so Rossy could discuss the plea with her father. If she rejects the deal, witness testimony will begin at 10 a.m.
Argento explained that if the deal was not taken, his hands were tied. “If Mr. Hardy proves everything that has been alleged, you’re looking at a long time in prison.”
Argento went on to remind Rossy that she had complained of unfairness; that others were involved but she’s the only one facing trial. “If you have information that implicates others, tell Mr. Hardy,”’ he urged, pointing out that if convictions are made and others required to make restitution that would reduce her restitution.
In an e-mail, Hardy said “The joint Bishop Police and DA investigation in 2013 looked at the entire department and all of the staff and did not discover any other criminal behavior.”
After granting the continuance, Argento said “some consideration” would be give because Rossy “took responsibility for some conduct.”
Rossy and her husband Kenneth were arrested in April 2013 on 44 felony counts, the primary charge was embezzling $1.5 million from Inyo County Department of Health and Human Services’ Public Assistance Program where Rossy was employed at the time.
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In China she would get the Death penalty, or at the least, Life sentence for embezzling that much money
I actually kind of agree with you lower Inyo. This wasn’t petty theft. I’ll wait til the next time we start talking about our bueatful justice system.
…a plea of 8 years in prison…..probably means about 4 years….and being a non-violent crime and prison over-crowding….she’ll be out in 2 years or less….that ,of course is,if she accepts the deal.
Embarassing , irrelevant and unfair?? What’s unfair is the alleged facts…she STOLE over ONE million $$$$$ from Inyo County. She’s taking some responsibility now in hopes of saving her own skin, and doing less time in state prison. This is exactly what’s wrong with the justice system now. Too many people feel sooooo sorry for the criminal. Yes, she is worthy of rehabilitation, and hopefully she can go on to lead a productive life. But this article is in now way, shape or form unfair to this defendant.
Irrelevant and unfair ? It’s embarrassing ? To who ? The admitted thief who stole more than a cool million ? She FINALLY admitted her guilt and you think it’s not fair to report it ? What color is the sky in your world WP ? Your loyalty is sorely misplaced.
Just wondering, but where in the story does it say she ADMITTED her guilt?
The headline and story is about a plea deal offered, not one taken.
If she accepts the offer, then she will have to plead guilty and admit her guilt.
Thanks.
@Ican Reed- maybe your should change your name to Icant Reed…..
After granting the continuance, Argento said “some consideration” would be give because Rossy “took responsibility for some conduct.”
Just in case you need it spelled out …Took responsibility=accepted guilt.
Once again good job Sierra Wave and thanks for keeping us honest people informed.
Yes, please spell it out for me: for what “conduct,” did Rossy take “responsibility”?
And for what reason will Judge Argento give “some consideration” to Rossy’s acceptance of such vague responsibility?
The article does not discuss these issues.
To me, taking responsibility would be entering a guilty plea and admitting the charges.
My only point is that, legally, she hasn’t admitted or taken responsibility for anything.
Otherwise, she would be being sentenced now, instead of being allowed to consider her options.
Thanks.
Wondering – KSRW reports that Ms. Rossy has rejected the DA’s offer and is headed for trial.
That does not seem like accepting responsibility to me.
So please enlighten me, even if you need to spell it out: exactly how has Ms. Rossy accepted responsibility for her behavior?
Thanks.
I’m not the one to ” enlighten” you….I agree there is more to the story, but I’m sick and tired of all these people embezzling. I for one, want the book thrown at each and every one WHO IS GUILTY. Time will tell on this one, I have my opinion, knowing what I know… You have your, knowing what you know. Im keeping the peace here, and I hope this trial ends fast and it doesn’t cost OUR County even more than the 1.5 million that is already missing.
Wondering:
I merely pointed out the truth – that Rossy had not admitted her guilt – and you chose to respond by telling me I was so dense you needed to “spell out” for me that she HAD accepted responsibility.
So yes, you are the one to enlighten me, since you clearly lack the character to admit you were wrong.
Thanks.
Rick ob- it’s irrelevant and unfair because she didn’t accept the offer. They should have just waited till today when we would no one or the other.
I found it to be one sided, and it seemed to me we didn’t need to know she wanted to talk it over with her father.
I would rather know the important stuff like today’s decision. Last night’s story felt like I was reading TMZ.
IN MY HUMBLE OPINION.
It’s pathetic that you can take a personal and important decision and choose to print it. We all didn’t need to read that.
Better yet, wait till Thursday and find out what the decision is. Irrelevant and unfair story. It’s embarrassing and not fair to Ms. Rossy.
@Warpaint…..wow. I have enjoyed reading some of your responses before, but this one tops the cake. She ADMITTED….she should be embarrassed, embarrassed that she stole money from me AND from YOU! Wow. Thank you Sierra Wave for printing the stories that we are all interested in knowing what is happening.
@Rick OB, CUDOS!
Wow….just wow