Two former North Haven officials have been granted accelerated rehabilitation and in all likelihood will not have to stand trial for having allegedly stolen at least $3,700 from the town over more than five years.

Joseph and Patricia Ierardi, the former director and assistant director, respectively, of North Haven's Department of Community Services & Recreation, were granted probation in Meriden Superior Court Friday by Judge Paul Matasavage. As the victim of the theft, the town opposed accelerated rehabilitation for the Ierardis.

Joseph Ierardi, 66, was charged with one count each of larceny, aiding larceny, forgery, tampering with a witness, tampering with physical evidence, and hindering prosecution.

Patricia Ierardi, 62, was charged with larceny and tampering with a witness.

The conditions of the two-year probationary period for Joseph Ierardi are payment of $15,000 to North Haven's emergency fuel fund within 90 days and completion of 200 hours of community service. Patricia Ierardi is required to do 100 hours of community service.

Accelerated rehabilitation is a program available for people who have not been charged with a serious offense and have never been convicted of a crime. If the person meets the conditions of the judge and doesn't get into trouble, the charge will be stricken from the record, according to Attorney Tara Knight, who represents Patricia Ierardi.

Denial of accelerated probation would have meant that the Ierardis would be tried for the charges in criminal court.