The former accounting manager for the USS Midway Museum at the Embarcadero — who admitted to embezzling more than $100,000 over a two-year period — was sentenced Oct. 8 to a year in jail and ordered to repay the money in return for five years’ probation. Veronica Gonzalez Monay, 35, of Chula Vista, presented her first check for restitution during her sentencing by San Diego Superior Court Judge Theodore Weathers. Her attorney, Gretchen von Helms, told reporters the check came from Monay’s former husband in the way of child-support payments. Weathers gave Monay credit for already serving 139 days in jail. Officials with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said Money’s projected release date is Feb. 11. The judge barred Monay from serving her sentence in a work-furlough program because she did not qualify. Monay was also ordered to pay more than $1,300 in various fines and more than $1,100 in administrative fees. However, the judge ordered that Monay pay total restitution to the museum before being responsible for the fines or probation costs. Monay pleaded guilty Aug. 26 to grand theft and fraudulent appropriation by an employee and could have received the maximum four-year term in prison. Deputy District Attorney James Teh said Monay stole from a previous employer and urged the court to impose a prison sentence. Teh also requested a full one-year term if the judge granted probation. The probation department recommended Monay be supervised on probation with conditions that forbid her from obtaining a future job in accounting, unless the employer is aware of her conviction. “She fully confessed … and indicated her remorse,” said von Helms. “She accepts responsibility for all conduct charged in this case.” Monay took money from the USS Midway Museum 21 times in amounts between $5,000 and $6,000, according to the probation report. Monay said she used the money to pay for car payments, dentist bills, rent and child care.








