OREGON, Mo. — A former Forest City, Mo., clerk admitted Tuesday she stole more than $17,000 from the city that employed her.

Ronnie Jo Cotton, 30, of Oregon, pleaded guilty to Class C felony stealing before Circuit Judge Roger Prokes. The plea cancels a two-day jury trial that was scheduled for today at the Holt County Courthouse. It also ends a legal process that lasted nearly two years.

Information filed against Ms. Cotton alleged she stole money from April 1, 2004, through Aug. 31, 2006, while she worked as city clerk. In the probable cause statement, Forest City Mayor Peggy Edwards told investigators she noticed that Ms. Cotton was requesting petty cash funds at least weekly from city accounts. Ms. Edwards said she became suspicious and sought an audit, which uncovered the shortage of funds.

Ms. Edwards declined to comment as she left the courthouse after the brief hearing.

Holt County Prosecutor Syd Weybrew told Mr. Prokes that the only involvement city officials sought in the matter was restitution.

St. Joseph attorney Mark Wissehr, who represents Ms. Cotton, said she reviewed all documents connected to the case when deciding to plead guilty. Last week marked the first time she had seen some of the information, Mr. Wissehr said.

Mr. Wissehr said he may choose to rely on live testimony for Ms. Cotton’s penalty phase.

Ms. Cotton’s sentencing is set for Sept. 30. She faces a possible seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, one year in the county jail, and a $5,000 fine. Mr. Prokes said despite the plea, the full range of punishment is still possible at his discretion.

Ray Scherer can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.