Fmr. Hermantown School Board Member Pleads Guilty to Diamond Theft

DULUTH - A former Hermantown School Board member has pleaded guilty to stealing diamonds and money from another woman.

Forty–two year old Stephanie Hamell entered the plea Wednesday to a count of felony theft.

Police say she stole $5,000 in cash and more than $16,000 worth of diamonds.

The victim says she asked Hamell to put the cash and diamonds in her safe but had trouble getting them back.

Police say Hamell admitted to stealing the stuff and had actually sent the rings away to have the diamonds removed and replaced with crystals.

Hammell resigned from the school board in February and will be sentenced at the end of the month.