Sentencing for Pasco agency ex-director moved to March 8

The sentencing of Michael A. Goins has been postponed to March 8 while prosecutors await a state report with the final embezzlement tally.

Goins, 36, pleaded guilty in January in Franklin County Superior Court to first-degree theft with aggravating circumstances. He stole at least $90,000 from the Downtown Pasco Development Authority while he was executive director.

Goins started using the nonprofit group’s money for his personal expenses about six months after he took the job in July 2013.

He stole money for two years before agency board members discovered outstanding bills on numerous accounts and unpaid IRS taxes.

Goins of Richland faces a year in state prison — an exceptional sentence above the standard range of up to three months in county jail given his lack of criminal history. His plea deal hinges on the amount of embezzled money not exceeding $150,000.

The Washington State Auditor’s Office is investigating the theft and expected to send its final report to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office.

This story was originally published February 23, 2016 at 4:05 PM with the headline "Sentencing for Pasco agency ex-director moved to March 8."