The former head of the office of Business Services, who stole almost $23,000 from the University, was sentenced yesterday to two years of probation, a $1,000 fine and 200 hours of community service -- but no prison time.

About a month after pleading guilty to "theft by deception" and two months after resigning as assistant vice president for business services, D. Lewis Mothersbaugh avoided imprisonment primarily because of his 32 years of service to the University.

Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar had asked that Mothersbaugh be placed in state prison for 18 months to three years because Mothersbaugh's actions violated his position of trust at the University.

Unlike a shoplifting incident that occurs once, the $22,932.13 Mothersbaugh stole took place during a five-year period, Gricar said.

The judge's decision would not deter white-collar criminals, he said. "It's not going to send a chill down anyone's spine."

But Mothersbaugh's attorney, Robert Mitinger, said the sentence was fair. He would not comment on Gricar's remarks, but said the district attorney's job is to try to prosecute crime and set the maximum penalty on every case.

Both Mitinger and Gricar said Mothersbaugh's lack of a previous record and long career at the University helped determine the judge's decision. Mothersbaugh also paid back the money.

No one else has been charged yet, but Gricar said he expects charges for more than one person will be made by the end of the week. Eight current and four former employees allegedly contributed to more than $9,000 in false accounts.

Gregory A. Ingram, a former administrator in business services, was allegedly involved, although he has not been charged. Ingram resigned from his duties on Nov. 19, two days after Mothersbaugh.

Executive Vice President and Provost John Brighton would not comment on the verdict. "I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment about that," Brighton said.

Mothersbaugh was unavailable for comment.