WATERLOO -- After losing their jobs, their lives and a company to embezzlement, only bitterness remains.

That boiled over Friday when Kim Zuzich, the former office manager for Zephyr Transportation, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Zuzich and her husband, Stephen, are accused of bilking more than $1 million from the company over three years.

Kim Zuzich, 50, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft in February.

Judge James Bauch said the case was "particularly troublesome" because of the large amount involved. "It's amazing it went on for three years, and it's amazing the significant amount of money involved," Bauch said.

Kim Zuzich apologized for the thefts, and said she would have a job to help pay restitution if she's kept out of prison.

"I'm sorry for my actions, and I take responsibility for it," she said.

Stephen Zuzich, 53, is the son of the Gene Zuzich, the owner of Zephyr Transportation. Stephen was president of the company, according to court records.

Stephen and Kim Zuzich used ComCheks and cash advances to take about $892,656 from Zephyr's accounts between January 2004 and March 2007, police said.

Gene Zuzich told Bauch that he found another $212,000 the couple siphoned out of the company after reviewing the books.

"I've never had a person who stole and lied as much as Kim has," he said.

According to court records, Kim Zuzich cashed several of the ComCheks at the Meskwaki Bingo-Casino-Hotel.

Kim Zuzich's sister, Joyce Johnson, said she'd heard rumors while working at Zephyr but didn't believe them.

"I don't want to be hurt. I didn't want to hurt her, so there's things I just don't discuss," Johnson said.

Zach Zuzich, her son, said she was home to put the dinner on the table and believed she only went to the casino on weekends.

Zephyr Transportation had 53 employees when it shut down. Some of those people vented their anger Friday.

"She should be shown the same sympathy all of us have been shown -- none," said Mary Michelson, a 14-year Zephyr employee.

Brenda Bowers said her husband, Bill, put 19 years in at the company.

"I can't believe how bone-deep selfish you are," Bowers said.

Stephen Zuzich is serving a 10-year prison sentence after he reached a plea bargain. Assistant Black Hawk County attorney Jim Katcher argued for a similar sentence with Kim.

"If she sets the example that you can steal $1 million and not have to serve any time, that's a terrible message," he said.

Contact Josh Nelson at (319) 291-1565 or josh.nelson@wcfcourier.com.