Goodman said it was “inconceivable” to him that the city would not have made some effort to obtain the devices. However, he said, Rice could possibly argue that due to a miscommunication she may have been under the impression she was allowed to keep the devices.

Goodman said he would not be surprised to see the charge reduced.

“It would not be uncommon for a case like this to be resolved as a misdemeanor if the amount is not much more than $500,” he said.

At first glance, this case appears similar to that of former Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander, Goodman said, who in 2013 were indicted on multiple charges of embezzlement and misusing public funds.

Iachetta and Commander used city tax money to cover more than $7,000 in bills for city-issued cellphones for Iachetta’s husband, Pat Owen, and Commander, neither of whom held positions with the city at the time the charges accumulated, police said.

Both accepted plea agreements and received 90-day suspended sentences but were required to perform 200 hours of community service.