Topeka ? The former head of the Kansas Press Assn. has pleaded no contest to theft from the organization.

Jeffrey A. Burkhead, 46, entered the plea Tuesday in Shawnee County District Court. He faces probation to two years and 10 months in prison for the theft.

Burkhead, a former editor of newspapers in Emporia and Liberal, was hired as the KPA executive director in 2000 for a yearly salary of $85,000.

An internal audit of expenses from January 2001 to August 2003 showed Burkhead spent $119,367 for personal use by using company credit cards, checks, the company vehicle, cell phone and K-Tag.

Burkhead was asked to resign in September 2003.

He is to be sentenced March 17.