The former payroll manager for the USS Midway Museum pleaded guilty Aug. 26 to grand theft and fraudulent appropriation. Veronica Gonzalez Monay, 35, of San Diego, acknowledged the $111,000 embezzlement seven weeks after San Diego police arrested her July 8. She had worked for the museum for three years. San Diego Superior Court Judge Michael Smyth set sentencing for Sept. 24. Monay faces a maximum term of four years in prison and made “no deals” with Deputy District Attorney James Teh. However, Smyth indicated he might consider probation and work furlough if she qualifies, according to court records. The thefts began on April 3, 2007 and ended on Dec. 30, 2008. Museum president and CEO Mac McLaughlin declined comment when Monay was arrested but did say the museum reported the embezzlement to police. Monay was convicted of a similar crime in 1997, but the finding was reportedly expunged. Monay has not been able to post $100,000 bail since her arrest and remains in the Las Colinas Detention Facility in Santee. “She is extremely remorseful for what happened,” said Gretchen von Helms, Monay’s attorney. “She will be ordered to pay restitution, to make full restitution. She is working to cash out her 401(k) (retirement account),” which would be turned over to the museum. “She definitely wants to do what she can.” The museum, whose exhibits include 25 restored World War II aircraft, is located at 910 North Harbor Drive alongside the Navy pier. When the Midway was christened in 1945, it was reportedly the largest ship in the world. Approximately 225,000 men and women served aboard the ship, the longest-serving naval aircraft carrier of the 20th century, from 1945 to 1955. The museum is a popular tourist attraction and boasts the most visits to a floating ship in the world.