Ex-hospital Director Denies Embezzling $700,000

A former children's hospital official in central Illinois has pleaded not guilty to embezzling more than $700,000 from the institution over six years.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports 55-year-old Margaret "Peggy" Curtin entered the plea Thursday in Sangamon County Circuit Court. The former St. John's Children's Hospital executive director also waived her right to a preliminary hearing. She declined further comment as she left court. She is free on $1 million bond.

Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser said he is considering filing more charges against Curtin. Prosecutors say the thefts happened between December 2008 and her arrest Sept. 22.