The City of Huntsville fired an employee Oct. 21, weeks after she pleaded guilty to stealing $73,225 from a youth sports league serving local children and families.
Heather Ann Spier, 54, of Owens Cross Roads, received a 46-month suspended prison sentence and two years of supervised probation, according to court records reported by FOX54. Circuit Judge Donna S. Pate sentenced her Sept. 29 for first-degree theft of property and ordered her to repay $73,225 to the Huntsville Eastern League.
Her probation order was filed Oct. 22. The suspended sentence means she could serve the prison term if her probation is revoked.
The city confirmed her dismissal in a statement provided to the station.
“Heather Spier’s employment with the City of Huntsville was terminated, effective Oct. 21, 2026, in accordance with the City’s Personnel Policies and Procedures,” the statement said. “The City will have no further comment.”
The Huntsville Eastern League provides recreational youth sports for families in Hampton Cove, Owens Cross Roads and Monte Sano. Its programs include baseball, softball, soccer, flag football, basketball, volleyball and cheerleading.
Prosecutors said Spier took league money from late 2022 to early 2024 and used it to pay personal bills, WAFF reported. The league received city stipends, meaning taxpayer dollars were among the funds in the account.
Her plea agreement required repayment within seven days. Prosecutors confirmed Sept. 30 that the money had been returned.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Tim Gann said recovering the money was a priority and described the sentence as the maximum allowed under the sentencing guidelines applicable to her case.
Spier remained employed in the city’s Landscape Management Department while the case proceeded. City officials previously said the criminal matter was unrelated to her municipal duties.
Following her conviction, a city spokesperson said human resources would initiate a personnel hearing. That process ended with her termination Oct. 21.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
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