Had it not been for the flood of 1997, Tammy Golkowski might still be with the Fargo Park District, overseeing its senior meal program.
Now she's a convicted felon responsible for stealing more than $50,000 from her workplace.
East Central District Judge Norman Backes on Monday sentenced Golkowski to serve 60 days in jail, pay $12,000 in restitution and perform 2,000 hours of community service for the theft, which could total more than $100,000.
"I'm truly sorry, and I wish I could take it all back," said Golkowski, her eyes teary.
Golkowski, 42, 6724 2nd St. N., Moorhead, began stealing from her employer after floodwaters destroyed her home, defense attorney Bob Hoy said. Insurance money didn't come close to what the Golkowskis invested into saving their house, and credit cards made the situation worse.
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"They simply could not make ends meet," Hoy said.
So Golkowski began stealing. She took the money from the Fargo Senior Commission's meal program, which she managed at seven dining sites. Her duties included depositing money into the Park District's bank account.
Golkowski was fired last April after nearly 20 years on the job when another employee found discrepancies between the Park District's cash receipts and deposits. In February she pleaded guilty to theft, and State's Attorney Birch Burdick dismissed a less serious charge of tampering with public records.
Upon release from jail, Golkowski will serve another 120 days under home surveillance. Backes suspended the rest of her five-year sentence for five years of supervised probation.
Hoy asked for 1,000 hours of community service, saying Golkowski would have trouble paying restitution while taking so much time off work. Golkowski has been working the past few months at the Frazee (Minn.) Care Center, where she makes about $10,000 less a year than her $34,500 salary with the Parks District, Hoy said.
But considering how Golkowski took advantage of her fiduciary responsibility with the district, the state's recommendation seemed appropriate, Backes said.
"The chances of the state fund being restored are not good," he said.
An investigation for a Park District lawsuit will disclose a more accurate amount of what Golkowski took. That money will be repaid in full by a state bond fund. The state will then seek to recoup some of its losses through Golkowski's restitution.
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Forster at (701) 241-5538
