Ex-Director Must Repay Camp Fire Jail Time, Written Apology Follow Embezzlement Conviction

A former Camp Fire council director must pay $20,000 and publicly apologize for embezzling from the organization.

Debra Ann Johnson was fired 10 months ago after the embezzlement was discovered. The local Camp Fire council lost almost $50,000.

Sixth District Judge Randy Smith sentenced Johnson on Tuesday to 90 days in jail and five years on probation. She also must write a letter to the local newspaper apologizing to the Camp Fire organization and the community.

In addition, Smith approved a restitution plan that requires Johnson to repay $20,000. The money will come from the sale of Johnson’s home, which is owned by her parents who live in California, defense attorney Steve Richert said.

The money was embezzled from Dec. 1, 1994, to June 1, 1996. Johnson was fired as Camp Fire director on May 17, 1996, after the organization’s board of directors conducted an internal investigation.

An audit found that Johnson had set up a separate Camp Fire account with only her signature required for endorsement of checks. Bannock County Deputy Prosecutor Kay Lyon said more than 700 checks were written on the account. They were used to buy toys, gas and restaurant meals.

If Johnson completes probation successfully, the embezzlement conviction will not go on her record.

A tearful Johnson repeatedly apologized to Camp Fire officials and said there was no excuse for what she did.