HOLLIDAYSBURG — The former Altoona city councilwoman convicted in September of theft of services after failing to pay a bill at a local property was sentenced Wednesday to six months of probation and ordered to pay $131 in restitution.

Dauphin County Chief Judge Richard Lewis, who presided over a Blair County jury trial for Christie B. Jordan, 47, Hollidaysburg, also fined her $200 and ordered her to perform 40 hours of community service.

Jordan, who completed six years on the Altoona city council in December 2022, testified on her behalf during the trial about the arrangements she pursued to pay the bill on her behalf. In court Wednesday, she said it was still her intention to see the bill paid to the Allegheny Street Bed and Breakfast for her Jan. 11 night.

Outside court, Jordan acknowledged his interest in appealing her conviction, an option defense attorney Tyler Rowles said he would discuss with Jordan. During the trial, Rowles took the position that Jordan’s actions did not fit the definition of criminal activity.

Lewis, in sentencing, joined Assistant District Attorney Derek Elensky, who told the jury that Jordan’s numerous excuses for not paying the lodging bill — which remained unpaid at trial — fit the definition of theft of services.

Before imposing the sentence, Lewis referenced trial testimony about the efforts of the guesthouse’s owners, Richard and Jyoti Latker, to help Jordan make connections that she indicated would result in her paying the bill. They also accepted two ID cards from Jordan as she was leaving and indicated that a payment would follow.

“I think the Latkers did their best to solve the problem before picking up the phone and calling the police,” Lewis said. “With all due respect, it was a steal.”

Elensky asked Lewis to consider a sentence of probation that falls within standard state guidelines.

“We’re not looking for harsh punishments here,” Elensky said. “We’re only looking for her to pay for bed and breakfast.”

Latker proposed community service as part of the sentence, given the resources — three district court hearings and a jury trial — to address what Latker called “petty theft.”

Rowles also asked Lewis to consider a probationary sentence to address the second-degree misdemeanor.

Lewis, after giving six months of probation, told Jordan that it would be possible for the probation to end after three months — if he paid the restitution, fine and court costs and if he completed his community service hours.

“Otherwise, it’s six months,” the judge said.

The county Parole and Probation Office will oversee her probation.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay

Stephens is at 814-946-7456.