Ex-Tulsa Public Schools AD Pleads Guilty To Federal Embezzlement Charges

Former Tulsa Public Schools Athletic Director Stephanie Spring on Thursday pleaded guilty to federal embezzlement charges.

Spring admitted to renting out school facilities and then pocketing the money.

Spring's lawyer released a statement on her behalf saying, "I am so sorry for what I have done. I broke the law, I broke the people's trust and I broke the very core of my upbringing. I have no excuse for what I did."

01/25/2012 Related Story: Tulsa Public Schools Athletic Director Stephanie Spring Resigns

During the hearing, Spring said her mistakes have taken a toll on her body. She told the judge she was prescribed anxiety medicine about a year ago. Spring said she will spend the rest of her life trying to earn forgiveness.

For one of her victims, that time has already come.

"I got nothing against them. I pay. I play, so I've got nothing against the people," said Oscar Chavez.

Chavez coaches an amateur soccer team. He rents several TPS fields for practice, including the one at LaFortune Stadium.

"She would send somebody to collect the money. Every time we practiced, somebody was there to turn on the lights and they were there until we leave and we just pay them," Chavez said.

He said he spent about $300 a week to play on the fields.

"We pay to use the facility and somebody takes all the money and it's supposed to be for the schools," Chavez said.

Tulsa Public Schools released a statement saying it was troubled by the actions, but it is "pleased" with Spring's guilty plea.

"It is disappointing when that sacred responsibility is treated so casually and with such disregard," the statement said. "At least today we get some acknowledgement from Ms. Spring that she violated the public trust."

Spring was ordered by the court to pay more than $90,000 in restitution.

Her sentencing is scheduled for June. She faces up to 10 years in prison.