A woman on trial for embezzling $70,000 in bingo funds from charity games she organized, pleaded guilty thus effectively avoiding being sentenced to time in prison. The woman, Julie A. Macaluso, was the former president of an organization that helps fund training fees for young gymnasts. The organization managed weekly bingo games as a major fundraising event.

In July, Macaluso was charged with embezzlement, forgery and submitting a false report. Yesterday, she pleaded guilty to all three. Macaluso has been exempted from a 21-year prison term on the condition that she repays the money she pocketed. According to the plea agreement, Macaluso must return the money in monthly installments of $500 a month, after already making a down payment of $20,000. She is also restricted from holding positions in charity organizations for the next 20 years.