A Bowling Green man accused of stealing more than $200,000 from his long-time employer asked for more time to raise the funds to make restitution.

Bruce Vermett, 39, appeared for what was scheduled to be a plea hearing Thursday in the courtroom of Wood County Common Pleas Judge Joel Kuhlman.

He is accused of depriving Jim and Theresa Gavarone of more than $150,000 through deception.

Theresa Gavarone, who is a state senator, said at the time of the indictment that Vermett had been employed by them at Mr. Spots for nearly 25 years and eventually was named the manager.

Defense attorney Stevin Groth said what his client has raised wasn’t enough to prevent a prison sentence.

Wood County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dex Phillips said the numbers are part of what is being worked out.

The defense wants to collect additional restitution before entering a plea and that needs to be discussed with the victims, Phillips said.

“We have been working toward a resolution and have made progress,” he said.

Phillips had no objection to giving Vermett additional time.

According to statements made in court, Vermett allegedly stole $223,000 while employed at Mr. Spots.

He was indicted in January for theft from a person in a protected class, a first-degree felony, and telecommunications fraud, a second-degree felony.

The incident spanned from Jan. 1, 2018, to Aug. 31, 2022.

Small amounts were taken each month, Groth said.

He said his client has asked family members to loan him money and has mortgaged himself “to the hilt.”

“We’re doing everything we can to make this right,” Groth said.

“I have a significant amount of money to put toward this. Significant to me,” Vermett said.

The next pretrial was scheduled for Aug. 17.

The trial that was scheduled to start July 18 has been vacated.