A former Janesville School District IT manager, accused of buying school district computer equipment from his own companies, could avoid a felony charge if he makes scheduled restitution payments. Rock County Judge Richard Werner says 32-year-old Brandon Keirns must pay $70,000 up front, as part of the $178,000 restitution. The agreement comes as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. If Keirns completes restitution payments during his probation, a felony charge of being a public employee entering into a contract with private interests could be dropped. Keirns pleaded no contest to that charge and five misdemeanor counts of theft Wednesday. He still faces a civil case with the school district.
AUDIO: Judge Richard Werner (:70)
Beth Wheelock, WCLO