On Tuesday, a trial date was set for October for the former Boyle County Sheriff’s Office employee accused of taking more than $10,000 from the department over a period of about two years.

Connie Smith faces charges of abuse of public trust over $10,000 but under $100,000; and theft by unlawful taking of $10,000 or more. There are two separate cases stemming from the same allegations.

Judge Darren Peckler set Smith’s trial for 9 a.m. Oct. 16-20.

Smith had worked as a tax administrator for the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office. She is accused of taking money between Nov. 1, 2010, to Oct. 2, 2012.

A Sept. 1, 2013, issue of The Advocate-Messenger states that Smith was fired in October of 2012 after she refused the option of being placed on suspension by then-Sheriff Marty Elliott. A letter from Elliott to Smith said she “rejected suspension then stated, ‘Fire me.’”

In a Jan. 4 article, her attorney, Thomas Clay of Louisville, said they were ready for the trial.

“We are looking forward to having our day in court,” Clay said in that article.

Files obtained from the Boyle County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office state that a diversion agreement between the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Smith’s attorney was reached that would have required Smith to repay $60,504.43 in restitution, remain on probation, perform 40 hours of community service each year and maintain full-time employment. She would have avoided jail time under that agreement.

Peckler sought to add an additional 30 days per year of weekend jail time to the diversion.

“It is the defendant who found these additional conditions unacceptable and withdrew her guilty plea,” the file states.

A trial had been scheduled to begin in January, but was delayed so more evidence could be examined in the case.