? about felony theft.?

OK...I have posted this before, but I feel the need to re-post and try to make it a little clearer.

My friend "J" has 2 special needs kids, and "A" has been their respite provider for the last 7 years. "A" has practically been a member of the family for many years...she gives the kids medical treatments, cooks for the family, drives the kids to tutoring, etc. COnsidering this relationship, J has a habit of sending A to the grocery or to Wal-mart to buy specific things for the kids. She hands A her personal CC to pay for the items.

So J has been having marital issues, some about money ( who doesn't?), but she and her hubby decide to separate finances last month. In the process they look closely at CC bills and discover an alarming pattern: every time A is sent to wal-mart there is a charge for the $20 ( or whatever amount) in items J sent her for, then a few minutes later there is a $100. Every time A is sent to the grocery there is a charge for the groceries, then a few minutes later a charge for $50. The stores pulled receipts and told J what they were for....things that J never saw. It was apparent that A was making purchases for personal use. J fired A and called the police. In the course of the investigation it was discovered that there was more than $5,000 in purchases over 2 years or more.

I have done the research in Ohio...that would be considered felony 4 theft. The punishment is 6-18 months in Jail and a fine of "up to $5,000". My question is this...what is the likely sentence? Is there a chance that this woman will get away with a small fine and no jail time? What are the chances that J will recover any of the money. The CC company is trying to say they do not have to refund any of the money since J handed A her CC.