Former Callaway County collector to be sentenced Monday for stealing $300,000
The former Callaway County collector is set to be sentenced Monday for stealing nearly $300,000.
Pamela Oestreich pleaded guilty in September, admitting to depositing taxpayer funds into her personal bank account. She claimed she had a gambling addiction.
In a filing Thursday, several people wrote character reference letters for Oestreich.
In one letter, Oestreich’s daughter wrote that Oestreich “is truly a good person that fell into an addiction and made horrible choices.” She also said that she does not condone her mother’s actions, but that sending Oestreich away would not only punish her, but her family, as well.
“She is the glue that holds our family together,” the letter said.
A former co-worker who was trained by Oestreich wrote that she is confident Oestreich would not do this again and would make amends.
“I cannot express how much Pam means to me,” the letter said. “I have always looked up to her and will never forget the outpouring of support she has given me. It is only right that I do the same for her.”
Retired Callaway County Clerk Linda Love also wrote a letter about the time she worked with Oestreich.
“She did not only an excellent job with payroll, she also helped employees with insurance problems, retirement and when an employee or a member of their family passed away, she was always quick to assist the employee or families of the employees in anyway she could to make things easier for them during a difficult time,” Love said. “I would have to say she went above and beyond her job many times.”
In January, Oestreich’s attorneys filed a sentencing recommendation asking for 60 days in prison. Prosecutors asked for 36 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
Oestreich resigned from her office last March after she was confronted by law enforcement.
