At this point in the process I am now able to write this letter. I want to ask forgiveness from the victims, the community, my former employees, my husband and children, family and friends for the hurt and damage I have caused. I know that asking forgiveness and saying I am sorry will never make up for the loss of money, loss of trust and the trauma that I have put everyone through.

I take full responsibility for the crime that I committed and I will serve my time as the court orders. I will do all that is possible to try and pay back restitution, but I understand that paying back the money cannot make up for the people’s trust that I have abused. I pray that someday I will again be able to earn the respect from my community, family and friends that I so recklessly and irresponsibly threw away.

As the judicial part of this process is almost complete and I will start to serve whatever sentence the court gives me, I will continue to reflect on the injustice I have done and by doing so I hope to gain wisdom and insight and look forward to the time of my release so that I can start to give back to the community that I have loved and called home for 58 years. Thank you.

Linda K. Tuttle-Olson

Albert Lea