A woman who embezzled more than $1 million from Kentucky-based Mercer Transportation was sentenced to 13 years in prison.


According to published reports, Jennifer Carmichael, who previously pleaded guilty to stealing the money from the trucking company, where she worked as a clerk, also will have to pay $25,000 in restitution and forfeit her car.

Carmichael's family had asked for leniency because of her two children, one of whom has Asperger's syndrome. Her former employer had asked for the maximum sentence. The judge agreed with Mercer, although she will be eligible for parole.

Over a nin-year period, Carmichael wrote hundreds of checks to herself, ranging from small amounts to more than $10,000. In October 2010, the company caught on.

"Carmichael not only bit the hand that fed her, but also ripped out our hearts as well," said Jenny Howard Hill with Mercer Transportation, according to a report on WLKY Louisville's website.

Mercer employees told the judge that the crime raised its insurance premiums and forced changes to its culture.