Gambling Addict gets 3 years probation

Fridolfson gets 3 years probation
Avoids jail time for theft
By PETER KASPARI - Messenger staff writer , Messenger News

DAKOTA CITY - A Fort Dodge woman who pleaded guilty to first-degree theft has received three years probation and a 10-year suspended jail sentence for her crime.

Julie Fridolfson, 49, admitted that while working as a drainage clerk for Humboldt County, she stole approximately $55,000 from the Iowa Drainage Ditch Association. Fridolfson said Tuesday during the sentencing the money was meant to feed a gambling addiction.

"I want everybody to know how sincerely sorry I am," Fridolfson said. "I was under a lot of stress and gambling was how I dealt with it ... but I put myself into treatment."

She added that she attends six to eight 12-step meetings every week, and has been accepted to Buena Vista University, where she will be attending in the fall and studying human services. Fridolfson said this is because she wants to help others in her situation.

In addition, Fridolfson has already paid back all the money she stole from the county.

Her lawyer, Dani Eisentrager, Eagle Grove, had tried to get District Court Judge Thomas Bice to defer judgment.

"Julie should not be a burden on the already crowded prison system when she can continue to help others with their treatment," Eisentrager said. "Julie has done everything she can do to make a bad situation better."

Bice denied the motion, instead following the recommendation of Humboldt County Attorney Jennifer Benson and giving Fridolfson a suspended jail sentence of 10 years, as well as three years of probation.

"This type of theft will not be tolerated," Bice said. "People in a position of trust must be held in high conduct."

Bice said there were three factors that made him decide to suspend Fridolfson's jail sentence.

"You are a veteran," he said. "You served your country for 10 years honorably, and you were discharged honorably."

He added that the fact she voluntarily sought treatment for her gambling addiction and has become a peer leader, as well as the fact she doesn't owe any more money factored into him deciding Fridolfson should not serve any time in jail.

Bice also suspended one term of Fridolfson's probation, which said she needed to pay all fines and court surcharges. The only money she owes is $125 for the law enforcement initiative.

Fridolfson has 30 days to appeal her sentence.