[simage=1822,320,y,center]

Michelle Leigh Irving of Knoxville pled guilty to first degree theft at a pre-trial conference Friday morning. A presentencing investigation has been ordered and a sentencing date is set for August 20th after Irving admitted to embezzling $98,000 from the Knoxville Raceway while she worked there as an Accounting Manager. The investigation of cancelled checks and bank information shows that Irving had been writing herself checks from the Knoxville Raceway since January of 2007. Knoxville Raceway Director of Racing, Ralph Capitani could not be reached for comment. The 1st degree theft charge is a class C felony and could result in up to 10 years in prison. Irving will face sentencing at 9:30am August 20th at the Marion County Courthouse.