A St Joseph woman pleaded guilty Thursday to one of 52 federal counts filed against her for ripping off the billboard company she worked for.

Federal prosecutors will dismiss the other 51 counts against Vicky McDonnell at the time of sentencing. Under federal sentencing guidelines, which are advisory and not mandatory, McDonnell could see probation or up to six months in federal prison.

McDonnell was a part owner, treasurer, and office manager at MPC Billboards in Savannah.

She was charged with 52 counts of wire fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud, and making false statements.
The company lost more than $1.2 million dollars.

During her plea, McDonnell admitted she used a company credit card to pay for some pampering at a resort and spa in Excelsior Springs, Missouri in September of 2007.

She was arrested in June of 2012.

By entering the plea, McDonnell agreed to relinquish to the owners any and all claims and ownership rights to MPC, and to the firm’s current owner Max Pro Consultants.

Fred Ramsey, an on-air personality on 680 KFEQ, is a part owner of the companies.

Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The maximum sentence would be 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. According to her plea agreement, McDonnell has agreed to the forfeiture of up to $906,415.25.

The plea agreement includes a curious stipulation.

“The defendant understands that this plea agreement does not foreclose any prosecution for an act of murder or attempted murder, an act or attempted act of physical or sexual violence against the person of another, or conspiracy to commit such acts of violence,” according to the agreement.

During the investigation, McDonnell’s romantic partner was found dead in their home, in what was later ruled to be a suicide.