Former Safe House director’s charges reduced after plea bargain

Southeast Missourian

The former executive director of a Cape Girardeau women’s shelter agreed to a plea bargain Monday to get one of two felony charges dropped.  44-year old Allison C. Leonard misappropriated more than $20,000 for personal use from the Safe House for Women. She was charged with one count each of theft and fraudulent use of a credit device. Leonard pleaded guilty to count one of her charges, a stealing felony of at least $500. Cape Girardeau County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Angel Woodruff said the state would drop the second charge of fraudulent use of a credit device if Leonard pleaded guilty to count one. Leonard took an open plea, which means Woodruff can recommend a judge sentence her to the maximum sentence. Woodruff said she also hopes to get restitution up front. If convicted, Leonard faces up to seven years in jail and a $5,000 fine. Leonard was appointed Safe House executive director in November 2013 and fired a year later. Leonard is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 21 at the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse.