A former treasurer for the Benicia Old Town Theatre Group accused of embezzling money from the group’s account was ordered to pay just over $17,700 in restitution, according to a Tuesday ruling by the Solano County Superior Court.

In 2013, BOTTG members had tried to secure the rights to a play but were unable to receive them because of bounced checks and money owed for previous productions. A further examination of the group’s bank accounts saw that they had been either emptied or overdrawn. BOTTG informed the police, who began an investigation that led them to suspect Kimble Goodman, a treasurer for the group since 2010 and chair of the Economic Development Board at the time. Goodman was arrested and accused of embezzling the money, and had to resign from his EDB post.

In 2015, Goodman was arraigned on a felony charge of embezzlement. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor after paying more than $11,400. BOTTG members felt this sum was insufficient and were told by the district attorney that more money could be sought through an additional restitution hearing once the group was able to determine the extent of its loss. After an examination of the bank records, BOTTG submitted a written request last March for a restitution hearing, which was scheduled for Tuesday.

On Jan. 16, following testimony from BOTTG President Dan Clark, the court awarded BOTTG a judgment of just over $17,700 in addition to the $11,400 already paid by Goodman. The restitution was not opposed by Goodman’s attorney. Goodman was not present at the hearing, but he is ordered to attend the further restitution hearing on Feb. 5 to be directly ordered to pay and set up a payment plan. He will be determined to pay a set amount each month, depending on his income. Any balance owed at the end of his probationary period will be converted to a civil judgment.

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