On January 19, 2016, Robin Cockrell, age 56, of Canton, appeared in the Lewis County Associate Court before Judge Fred L Westhoff.  Pursuant to plea negotiations Mrs. Cockrell pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor stealing and was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to repay the Canton Public Library restitution in the amount of $658.90.

Previously, on September 24, 2015, Mrs. Cockrell was arrested by members of the Sheriff's Office and the Canton Police Department for acts committed while she was the library director of the Canton Public Library.  Mrs. Cockrell had served as the director for approximately one year during 2014 and was relieved of her duties in January, 2015.  The Sheriff's Office began an investigation in February, 2015, involving financial irregularities discovered by members of the library board.  The irregularities included forgery, improper purchases and paying herself extra paychecks.

Lewis County Assistant Prosecutor, Corey Moon, was the primary prosecuting attorney in the case - "As a prosecutor, you are looking for a fair and just outcome in each case and I believe that is what we got in this case."