By JOYELL NEVINS

TIPP CITY - Tipp City resident Rebecca Woodward, alleged theft of Tippecanoe Farmers’ Market funds, had charges dropped from a fifth degree felony theft to a misdemeanor last week in a plea bargain agreement.

“If the victims are okay with it, (a misdemeanor agreement) is easier, faster and more efficient,” Detective Sergeant Chris Graham said.

Woodward, 50, was arrested June 4 for the theft of $3,409 from market funds, embezzled over a period of eight months.

As part of the agreement, Woodward has to make full restitution by the end of her probationary period. She is on probation for two years and sentenced to 60 suspended days in jail. That means Woodward will not serve jail time unless she re-offends or does not fulfill the obligations of her probation.

The Farmers’ Market has remained open throughout the proceedings. It is open every Saturday from 9 a.m to noon on S. Fourth Street between Main and Dow.