LUBBOCK (January 27, 2012)—Debra Rucker Brown, 51, who used to run a children's advocacy center in West Texas, pleaded guilty to a theft count after she was accused of embezzling thousands of dollars in federal funds from the non-profit center.

Brown entered her plea Thursday before U.S. District Judge Sam Cummings in Lubbock.

She was accused of taking more than $237,000 from the Children's Advocacy Center of Tom Green County in San Angelo over a five-year period ending in 2010.

Brown was executive director of the center for more than 16 years.

The center works with children who have been abused or witnessed a violent crime.

Brown could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, fined as much as $250,000, and ordered to pay restitution.

A sentencing date has not been set.