CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The former mayor of Williamson will have to pay nearly $55,000 in restitution and fines after pleading guilty to embezzlement, but will not spend any time in prison.

Charles Hatfield, 62, pleaded guilty to a federal theft charge stemming from his time as CEO of Williamson Memorial Hospital in 2018.

With his plea, he admitted to having more than $9,000 in hospital funds sent to pay delinquent taxes and homeowner’s fees for his Florida condo. He also admitted to directing more than $25,000 in hospital funds to be transferred to pay one of his personal debts. That second payment was made just days before the hospital declared bankruptcy and when Hatfield knew it did not have enough money to fund its employee health and retirement plans.

During a hearing last week, Hatfield was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to nearly $35,000 in restitution and $20,000 in fines.