Heston theft woman sent to prison

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A woman accused of embezzling money from late actor Charlton Heston has been jailed for more than five years by a Los Angeles court.

Sharon M Walker pleaded no contest to two counts of grand theft and a further charge of tax evasion.

Prosecutors said she stole $158,000 (£80,064) from Heston, who died in April, and his wife.

She was also accused of taking nearly $568,000 from television producer Stephen J Cannell.

Mr Cannell's writing and producing credits include The A-Team, 21 Jump Street and The Rockford Files.

Walker worked as an account manager at a business management firm, which allowed her access to the two men's financial information. Prosecutors said she forged signatures to pay credit card debts between 1999 and 2005.

A judge at Los Angeles Superior Court also ordered Walker to repay nearly $82,000 (£41,552) in back taxes.

In a no contest plea under California law, a defendant does not admit guilt, but offers no defence, and can deny the same charge in any further hearing.