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Ex-head of Pa. teachers union sentenced for theft

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SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — The former president of a northeastern Pennsylvania teachers union will serve a year behind bars for embezzlement.

Authorities say 48-year-old Lisa Barrett stole nearly $60,000 from the Wyoming Area Teachers Union. They say she spent it on personal shopping, traveling and dining.

Barrett cried as the sentence was handed down Friday in federal court in Scranton. She told the judge that she became overwhelmed as she tried to please everyone.

Authorities say Barrett took the funds between 2007 and 2012. Her lawyer says the union has been repaid.

District Judge James Munley says he wants Barrett’s punishment to discourage people from abusing positions of authority.

Barrett pleaded guilty to embezzlement in October. She must report to prison by March 5.

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