The case of the former director of the Teen Venture Center has been settled

TAZEWELL, Va. (WVVA) – Ann Marie Burks, the former director of the Teen Venture Center in Richlands, who faced multiple charges related to the facility’s closing in April, has paid restitution and the case is closed.

“Her case is done,” said Maj. Harold Heatley of the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office. “The money ($2,700) has been returned.”

Burks pleaded guilty last month to obstruction of justice, a misdemeanor, in Tazewell County Circuit Court, Heatley said, and was sentenced to 180 days in jail, which were suspended. She has already served seven days in jail, had to pay court costs and will be placed on probation for a year.

Heatley, who led the investigation, said he also had to complete 100 hours of community service and has now paid restitution.

Burks was originally charged in July with two counts of distribution of a Schedule I/II narcotic, two counts of forgery, one count of conspiracy, one count of receiving money/property by false pretenses and one misdemeanor charge, receiving money/property by False Pretense.

However, in Tazewell County Circuit Court on Nov. 19, those charges were terminated by nolle prosequi, meaning they were dismissed by the court.

The facility was closed after Burks left in April and an investigation began.

Teen Venture has since hired a new director and reopened, offering teens an after-school opportunity to learn and participate in many activities.