Former Arts Center Director Pleads Guilty To Theft

The former director of the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur pleads guilty to stealing more than $130,000.

Laura Harris Phillips embezzled $98,000 from the Carnegie Center.  She also took $41,000 from the Alabama Museum Association, where she served as treasurer.

Phillips was sentenced to two 15-year prison sentences.  She’ll serve six months behind bars, and will then be placed on probation for the rest of the sentence.

Phillips must also pay $140,000 in restitution.