A school nurse’s aide admitted Monday she took nearly $20,000 from her union while serving as the organization’s treasurer.

Melissa Roby, 34, of Onalaska was sentenced to five years of probation and four months of house arrest after pleading guilty to felony theft. Roby also was ordered to pay more than $25,000 in restitution.

She got a start with a $4,000 check her attorney brought to La Crosse County Circuit Court.

According to a criminal complaint filed in March, officers of the Holmen Education Support Personnel union learned in February their dues had not been paid to state and national labor organizations. An audit later revealed $19,957 in checks written to Roby, then the group’s treasurer.

HESP president Teri Niles said Roby damaged the union’s standing and left members without representation had they needed it.

“People worked alongside of her and people trusted her,” said union member Honnie Ammann. “We’re going to have to work hard to rebuild respect for our union.”

Attorney Keith Belzer said his client suffered from postpartum depression and began taking money because she feared her marriage was ending and she would have to support her children. Although she didn’t realize the amount she had taken, Belzer said Roby took out a loan to repay the money before she was caught.

La Crosse County Circuit Judge Elliott Levine said Roby’s crime was worse than stealing from a stranger because it violated trust.

Roby apologized and said she regretted her actions.

“I am very ashamed,” she said. “To everyone affected, I would ask that you could please someday forgive me.”