Former Vernon County Administrative Assistant reaches diversion agreement in embezzlement case

A former Vernon County Administrative Assistant accused of embezzling county funds reached a diversion agreement Tuesday. 30-year-old Kayla Fortney was arrested in July of 2023 after a six-week investigation into reports of embezzled county funds. Fortney will plead guilty to the charge of theft of over 10,000 dollars. As part of the agreement, she must complete a “significant” amount of community service, meet with a financial advisor, attend individual counseling, and pay restitution for the embezzled funds. If she fails to abide by the terms of the agreement she will return to court for a sentencing hearing.