Jun.02, 2010, 03:49 PM

CANTON —A bookkeeper for a Perry Township restaurant has been convicted of theft related charges.

A jury on Wednesday convicted Elaine Jones of identity fraud, forgery, grand theft and money laundering.

The allegations concerned Angello’s Restaurant in 2008. Jones’ brother, Brian R. Jones, was a part owner of the business and she was the bookkeeper.

Elaine Jones got a credit card in her name and in the name of a restaurant employee without that employee’s permission, incurred debts and walked out on them, said Assistant Stark County Prosecutor Joseph Vance.

She also used more than $8,000 of money from the struggling restaurant to repair a cabin she owned, and posed as an owner of the business, using a forged letter from an attorney, to obtain a $20,000 loan, then concealed that money from her brother’s business partner, the prosecutor told jurors.

Defense attorney Sean Ruffin argued that Jones simply followed her brother’s direction and noted that the money used for the cabin was repaid after insurance money came in.

Haas previously found Brian R. Jones guilty of money laundering and forgery after a trial in April. The judge acquitted Jones of grand theft.

Brian Jones was put on probation for five years and must repay an amount to be set at a later court hearing.

Elaine Jones faces up to five years in prison on the money laundering charge and more prison time for the others but also could get probation.

Stark County Common Pleas Judge John G. Haas set her sentencing for July 7.

Mike Roma Sr., who formerly co-owned the business with Brian Jones, said justice was served by the verdicts. He thanked his supporters, police and others.

“Unfortunately, my wife and I will have to regain our losses. But with the support of our family, we now know we can make anything happen ...” he wrote in a statement.

The business has had new ownership since late 2009.