White-collar crime may have the reputation for being sort of soft and cushy crimes. However, the sentences for white-collar crimes suggest something entirely different. That is something one woman from Santa Ana, California is learning at this very moment. According to a recent report, the woman is in jail for allegedly embezzling $1.7 million from her employer. Irvine Police arrested the woman in early October after a long investigation into the supposed theft.
The woman has been charged with numerous felony counts. Among the charges are multiple felony counts of grand theft by embezzlement, eight counts of computer access fraud and falsifying records, and 29 counts of forgery. The woman is also facing sentencing enhancement for a loss of over $1.3 million in addition to aggravated white-collar crime for a loss of over 500,000 dollars.
According to the district attorney’s press release, the investigation into the woman began after the owner of Miller Contracting Company reported company theft to law enforcement. The woman at the center of the investigation was the company’s controller and bookkeeper at the time, providing her with access to company checks. The woman is currently being held on $1.75 million bond.
The woman pleaded not guilty to all of the charges currently filed against her. She will remain in custody until the trial in late October, unless someone can come up with the bond money for her release. In cases such as these it is imperative to hire quality counsel. Due to the amount of money the woman is alleged to have taken, and the sentencing enhancement factors, the woman could face serious jail time if convicted. With the right help, this woman with have the opportunity to try and prove her innocence.
Source: Dyersburg State Gazette, “Dyersburg woman arrested for embezzling $1.7 million in Calif,” Oct. 18, 2012