Betraying the public trust; a misdemeanor.

The Journal, link, reports

Former superintendent Joe Baca pleaded “no contest”
to fraud of $250 or less, a petty misdemeanor, and
agreed to pay the state $2,750 in restitution.

Which begs at least one question;
how can you steal $2,750, and then be allowed to plead
"no contest" to stealing $250 or less, a misdemeanor?

A public servant who betrays the public trust, even in an
amount less than $250 should be found guilty of something
greater than a misdemeanor, how about treason?