LA MARQUE — A former employee of the Galveston Government Employees Credit Union will avoid a felony conviction for now after pleading guilty to a theft charge tied to hundreds of thousands of dollars taken from customer accounts.

According to court records and reporting by the Galveston County Daily News, 55-year-old Jacqueline Marie Burns was placed on 10 years of deferred adjudication community supervision after pleading guilty Friday to felony theft involving property valued between $150,000 and $300,000. Judge Rebecca Millo of the 10th District Court approved the agreement, deferring a formal finding of guilt.

The case originated from an investigation by the La Marque Police Department, which alleged Burns stole more than $340,000 from at least 26 credit union member accounts between October 2018 and July 2020. Authorities said Burns was initially charged with theft of $300,000 or more and held on a $150,000 bond at the time of her arrest.

Police previously said Burns was responsible for managing member accounts and ensuring monthly statements were mailed. Investigators allege she used that access to target dormant or long-unused accounts, many belonging to senior citizens and deceased individuals. To conceal the activity, Burns allegedly altered or removed mailing addresses so account holders would not receive statements reflecting unauthorized withdrawals.

A Galveston County grand jury first indicted Burns on the higher theft amount, but a later indictment reduced the alleged loss range to between $150,000 and $300,000, according to court documents cited by the Daily News.

If Burns successfully completes the 10-year supervision period, the case could be dismissed without a final conviction. Any violation of the terms could result in the court proceeding with a formal conviction and sentencing under Texas law.

As part of the court’s order, Burns must pay $336,250 in restitution, along with court costs, reimbursement fees, and a required contribution to Crime Stoppers. She was also ordered to complete 320 hours of community service and comply with strict supervision conditions, including remaining in Galveston County without permission to travel, abstaining from alcohol, submitting to drug and alcohol testing, and maintaining employment.