Ex-Parks & Recreation Director Stole From Bristol Twp.: Officials

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — The township's former parks and recreation director was sentenced Tuesday on charges for the misapplication of government property, officials said.

Terminated Bristol Township Parks & Recreation Director Jessica Lynn Ireland pled guilty and was sentenced for her convictions for third-degree felony theft and second-degree misdemeanor misapplication of government property.

She was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay restitution.

Township Manager Randee Mazur also read a victim impact statement in court, detailing the impact of Ireland’s actions on the community.

"Bristol Township respectfully asks the court to impose a sentence and disposition that reflects the deliberate, repeated, and concealed nature of this conduct, the defendant's position of responsibility, the opportunities she had to stop, and the damage caused to the public institution she was entrusted to serve," Mazur said in the statement.

"We ask the court to recognize that the victims of this conduct include more than Bristol Township as a corporate entity," Mazure continued. "They include our employees, our leadership, our public programs, and every resident who entrusted us to safeguard public resources."

Township officials said they were speaking publicly about the crime now that the case has concluded.

In March, township officials welcomed a new parks and recreation leadership team.

Patrick Graham was named parks and recreation director, and Nicole Tener was appointed as recreation division manager.