WHEELING - Bernie D. Metz pleaded guilty this morning to allegations she stole millions of dollars from a Wheeling credit union, but members of her family will not face charges.

Metz, 57, of Valley Grove, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frederick Stamp in federal court in Wheeling on charges of embezzlement and money laundering. Testimony today revealed she used at least four different methods to embezzle and launder money from the Center Valley Federal Credit union where she worked as CEO and manager.

As part of a plea agreement, Metz will give up ownership of the Roadworthy Restaurant and two vehicles, including a 2009 Mercedes. She also must give up ownership of items she owns valued at more than $2,500. Those items have not been released by the courts.

Her husband and two children will not be charged as a result of the plea agreement. Metz also is permitted to operate three other businesses she owns with her family. Metz faces a prison term of 30 years on the embezzlement charge while the money laundering count could result in a 10-year sentence. She could be fined $1 million on the embezzlement charge, and a $400,000 fine could be handed down on the money laundering count.

Stamp did not schedule a sentencing date at the close of the plea hearing.

Metz was arrested in July 2009 and charged with embezzlement, after a federal investigation revealed that at least $5 million of the missing $9 million allegedly could be traced to Metz.

An affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint stated there was probable cause to believe Metz misappropriated money from the credit union and diverted the proceeds to benefit herself, her husband, her children and companies controlled by Metz and her husband.

At the time of her arrest, federal officials seized six vehicles, three bank accounts and one parcel of real estate. They also seized the Roadworthy Restaurant and Tavern in West Liberty.