MARQUETTE -- A plea agreement in the case of a former Marquette County attorney charged with embezzlement was made late Monday afternoon when James Nancarrow pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of attempted embezzlement.

The felony holds a maximum five year sentence.

He's accused of stealing between $50,000 and $100,000 from an account used by attorneys to protect their client's money that was awarded in a lawsuit.  Nancarrow allegedly took about $53,000 from his client's $80,000 settlement from a car accident.  That was more than his fee agreement.

Nancarrow originally said he returned the money, but Monday claimed differently.

"It ultimately ended up for my use and benefit your honor; the money was taken out of that account.  I was responsible for the entirety of that account, and the money was taken out and ultimately used for my benefit and subsequently paid back," said Nancarrow.

He is currently out on bond pending his sentencing.  A date for that has not yet been set.