UPDATED Thursday, July 9, 2009 --- 7:30 a.m.

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) -- A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $70,000 from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has pleaded no contest to misdemeanor theft charges.

As part of a plea agreement Wednesday, prosecutors dropped a felony theft charge and agreed not to recommend jail time for 56-year-old Susan A. Bushweiler. But a judge could sentence her to up to nine months in jail when she's sentenced Jan. 15.

Bushweiler used to work for the university, collecting and depositing money from cash machines that credit students' identification cards. Prosecutors say she stole the money over six years.

She paid back $40,000 Wednesday and has to pay the balance by her sentencing.

A message left Bushweiler's defense attorney Thursday morning was not immediately returned.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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Posted Wednesday, December 10, 2008 --- 4:55 p.m.

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) -- A retired Kenosha woman has been charged with stealing more than $70,000 over six years from cash and credit machines at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Susan A. Bushweiler has an initial appearance scheduled Thursday on felony charges of misconduct in public office and theft.

If convicted, she could be sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined up to $20,000.

The 56-year-old Bushweiler was responsible for collecting and depositing money from machines that accept cash then covert that cash into credits on UW-Parkside Ranger identification cards.

The credits can then be used to buy items and services on campus.

Bushweiler retired last year. She did not return a message seeking comment by The Associated Press, and no lawyer was listed in her online case file.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.