Emery County commissioner jailed for 'misunderstanding'

CASTLE DALE (AP) — An Emery County commissioner is spending six days in jail and must write a letter of apology to a local newspaper for taking mileage reimbursement for travel in a county-owned car.

Drew Sitterud, 53, also was fined $2,500 and put on two years of probation. He was sentenced Tuesday in 7th District Court. His attorney says the charges stem from a misunderstanding.

Sitterud was accused of billing Emery County for mileage expenses in 2006. He claimed to have used his own car, but actually drove a county-owned vehicle. He was reimbursed for $1,000 in expenses, but later returned the money.

Sitterud's plea to two reduced misdemeanor charges of wrongful appropriation doesn't immediately disqualify him for public office. He is running for re-election in November.