A judge sentenced a former Dakota County probation officer to two years of probation after he admitted to gambling during work hours at a casino racetrack.

Troy Dal Withers, 46, of Oakdale, pleaded guilty Tuesday to misconduct of a public officer/employee for falsely reporting work hours and mileage reimbursement claims on four occasions between June 2018 and February 2019 while working for Dakota County Community Corrections.

Dakota County District Judge Douglas Bayley ordered Withers to spend 10 days on a crew working on community improvement projects, pay a $750 fine, restitution and complete gambling treatment.

Withers resigned on April 11 and was charged May 10 with two counts of theft by swindle of public funds. The felonies were dismissed Tuesday when he pleaded guilty to the gross misdemeanor.

A worker from community corrections contacted Dakota County sheriff’s office investigators in February about a probation officer possibly filing false timekeeping records and mileage reimbursement claims.

While probation officers do not keep set hours, they are required to work at least 80 hours per two week periods, and maintain an electronic calendar of their hours and meetings with clients, according to the criminal complaint.

Investigators found 15 occasions where Withers reported meeting clients or attending meetings that he did not actually attend, the charges allege. And there were 10 occasions where he was at Running Aces casino and racetrack in Anoka County when his electronic calendar, time records or building access card said he was working.