SPRINGFIELD-A former employee in the Illinois state treasurer’s office has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for stealing at least $263,000 from taxpayers.

Debra Kay Kirby of Taylorville pleaded guilty to the crime. She had faced a maximum sentence of 20 years for wire fraud and 10 years for money laundering.

Kirby worked for the state from 1973 until she retired in May 2006.

Before she retired, Kirby opened a bank account under a false name and deposited $750,000 in state money. Prosecutors say she returned some of the money but pocketed at least $263,000.

She was ordered to repay the stolen money.