HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A woman has been sentenced to federal prison for stealing federal funds from River Valley Child Development Services (RVCDS), a non-profit organization located in Huntington.

Ruth Marie Phillips, 69, will spend seven years behind bars.

Phillips pleaded guilty to theft of federal funds in September. She worked at RVCDS from December 1986 to September 2020 and held various positions within the non-profit organization.

From July 1, 2016 to or around June 30, 2017, RVCDS received approximately $7,131,756 in federal funding and Phillips used his position of trust and authority to steal approximately $964,012 during that time.

Phillips further admitted that between December 2013 and August 2020, she stole approximately $4,721,731 from RVCDS.

As part of her plea deal, Phillips agreed to relinquish her interest in her personal residence in Chesapeake, Ohio, as well as a house on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia that she purchased during the period of her criminal activity. Phillips also agreed to relinquish his interest in several vehicles and his interest in Attitude Aviation property and equipment.

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