A former administrative assistant at Hill Country Middle School has been sentenced to 18 months of deferred adjudication after pleading guilty to theft involving Eanes ISD credit cards.
Background of the Case
Kelly Ballengee, 43, was charged with a class A misdemeanor theft for using Eanes Independent School District’s credit cards to make purchases for personal gain. The alleged misuse occurred in 2024, and the case was brought before a Travis County court. Ballengee’s guilty plea was entered after a review of the evidence presented by the district.
Texas Deferred Adjudication Explained
In Texas, deferred adjudication is a probationary arrangement that allows a defendant to avoid a formal conviction on their criminal record. The court imposes conditions that the defendant must meet within a specified period. If all conditions are satisfied and no violations occur, the adjudication can be dismissed.
Plea and Sentencing Details
According to Travis County court documents, Ballengee pleaded guilty to the class A misdemeanor theft charge. The court granted her 18 months of deferred adjudication, meaning the conviction will not appear on her record if she complies with the terms. The sentencing was announced following a hearing held in the county courthouse.
Conditions of Deferred Adjudication
Ballengee must complete 100 community service hours and attend a theft class as part of her probation. These requirements are designed to address the wrongdoing and provide restitution to the community. The court will monitor her progress and enforce the conditions throughout the deferred period.
Possibility of Early Termination
Travis County documents state that Ballengee’s deferred adjudication period could be terminated early after nine months if she fulfills all conditions and does not violate any rules. The early termination clause offers an incentive for timely compliance. It also shortens the overall time the defendant is under probation.
District’s Statement on the Misuse
Eanes ISD said Ballengee used the district’s credit cards to make purchases for personal gain. The district emphasized that the misuse was a violation of its policies. This statement was released to the public in October 2024.
Employment Status Update
In October 2024, Eanes ISD confirmed that Ballengee no longer works for the district. The announcement was made in conjunction with the release of the district’s statement on the credit-card abuse. This update clarifies her current employment relationship with the district.
Editor’s Note
The editor notes that the accompanying video is from previous coverage dated Oct. 25, 2024. The footage was recorded during the original reporting of the case. It serves to illustrate the court’s proceedings.
Impact on Ballengee’s Criminal Record
Because of the deferred adjudication, Ballengee’s conviction will remain off her criminal record if she meets all conditions. This outcome is significant for her future employment and legal standing. It also reflects the Texas court system’s approach to misdemeanor offenses.
Legal Perspective
The court’s decision aligns with Texas statutes that allow deferred adjudication for class A misdemeanor theft. The requirement of community service and a theft class is standard for such cases. The early termination provision is also a common feature of deferred sentences.
Community Reaction
Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the sentence. Some viewed the deferred adjudication as a fair punishment, while others felt it was too lenient. The district’s statement helped shape public perception of the case.
Court Documents and Records
All relevant documents, including the plea agreement and sentencing order, are filed with Travis County. These records are accessible to the public and provide detailed information on the case. They also confirm the dates and conditions of the sentence.
Summary of Key Facts
- Former Hill Country Middle School administrative assistant, Kelly Ballengee, 43, pleaded guilty to class A misdemeanor theft.
- She received 18 months of deferred adjudication, with 100 community service hours and a theft class required.
- The district cited personal gain as the motive for credit-card abuse.
- Eanes ISD announced Ballengee no longer works for the district in Oct. 2024.
- Early termination of the sentence is possible after nine months if all conditions are met.
Key Takeaways
- Ballengee’s 18-month deferred adjudication keeps her conviction off her record if she complies.
- The sentence includes 100 community service hours and a theft class.
- Eanes ISD confirmed her dismissal from the district in October 2024.
The case highlights how Texas courts handle misdemeanor theft involving school district resources. The deferred adjudication provides a path for rehabilitation while holding the defendant accountable. The outcome will be monitored closely by both the court and the community.
