Date set for Norman sentence

Published 9:25 am Thursday, June 2, 2011

Former Albert Lea City Manager Jim Norman is scheduled to be sentenced June 30 after being convicted last month of misusing the city-issued credit card for personal purchases.

Jim Norman

A 12-member jury on May 13 found Norman guilty of permitting false claims against government by a public officer, theft with the intent to exercise temporary control and misconduct by a public officer. He was convicted of seven out of the eight counts he faced — all of which are felonies except for the misconduct charge, which is a gross misdemeanor.

The charges on his credit card included purchases of feminine hygiene products, an aquarium, trail mix, cat litter, a refrigerator, women’s shoes and garbage service.

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Norman, 57, who now lives in Wisconsin, worked full time as Albert Lea city manager from May through September. He argued that many of the charges could have been considered relocation expenses and that he had no purposeful intent to defraud.

After hearing the verdict, he said he plans to appeal the decision, noting he did not believe justice was served.

The sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. in Freeborn County District Court.

Mower County District Court Judge Fred Wellmann, who presided over the case, will sentence Norman.