Genola's former town clerk pleaded not guilty to charges that she stole money from the city, but a plea deal may be reached in the near future that would keep the case from going to trial.

Defense attorney Michael Petro said he expects a plea deal in the case. He said prosecutors are working on details and must clear any potential deal with Genola first.

Fourth District Judge Steven Hansen scheduled the next hearing in the case for Aug. 5. If no deal is reached by then, a trial date will likely be set at that hearing.

City officials have estimated that Wright may have taken as much as $240,000, and deputy county attorney Ryan Peters said the number could be as low as $65,000. Each count of misuse of public money represents at least $5,000.

Inconsistencies in Genola's finances were discovered last year, and town officials asked the Utah County Attorney's Office to investigate. Wright was asked to resign when the financial discrepancies were discovered. Genola now employs two town clerks, one of whom spends about four hours a week reviewing records. The town also purchased software for more efficient record keeping.