Fresh Start for Pumphrey and Bride

We offer congratulations and best wishes to former Ozark Regional Transit executive director Phil Pumphrey and his new bride, serial embezzler Jeri Qedan.

The new Mrs. Pumphrey, who was also known as Jeri Freshwater, has served two prison terms for stealing from her employers. She was released July 19 after serving one year of a 10-year sentence — with 30 years suspended — for stealing $60,000 from Tontitown-based health care staffing firm The Right Solutions.

She previously served nine months of a 20-year sentence, with 18 years suspended, for stealing $74,000 from Complete Inc. of Springdale.

The Arkansas Crime Information Center said in an emailed notice that she has left the state, but under the Interstate Compact Agreement, will remain in contact with a locally assigned parole office.

Last we heard of Phil Pumphrey, the company that operates ORT transferred him to California after a failed sales tax vote and a falling-out with the ORT board of directors over budget issues. Sources tell us the happy couple resides in Riverside.