Another Trial Delay For Former Bookkeeper Accused Of Stealing From Hollister Chamber of Commerce:

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Paula Decker-Criss (mug shot TCSO)

There has been another delay in the five year-old case of a former bookkeeper for the Hollister Chamber of Commerce who is facing charges of stealing from the organization.

Paula Decker-Criss of Blue Eye was charged with felony stealing in July of 2008 after it was discovered during a lengthy investigation that $11,000 was missing from the organization's coffers. 

Prosecutor Jeff Merrell says the defense attorney for Criss told Judge Robert Carter on Monday that Criss is currently hospitalized. Merrell says there is a three year statute of limitations on felony cases excluding murder and sex offenses, "but that doesn't apply after charges have been filed."

Dawn Decker pleaded guilty to stealing from her employer last year

 Criss's former sister-in-law, Paula Decker, who served as Chamber President, was also charged with stealing in connection to the case and pleaded guilty last year and was placed on five years probation.

Criss's trial is now scheduled to begin on January 31st in Taney County.