JON'S CELL: It can be tempting for Wisconsin residents to take money that isn’t theirs, especially when they are in a position where they oversee funds, such as a treasurer. When people see large amounts of cash on a daily basis, it’s easy to think of things they can do with the money, especially if they have hit hard times. One woman is facing an embezzlement charge after stealing $11,000 from her workplace.
The 37-year-old woman, a detective’s assistant in Montana, allegedly took the money from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office’s 24/7 Sobriety Testing program. An investigation showed that the woman used the money to gamble at casinos in the area. Since April 2012, the woman had written checks for $8,800.
The state’s Attorney General’s Office found enough evidence to charge the woman with one count of felony embezzlement. She admitted to taking money from the program since July 2012. She is set to be arraigned on Jan. 13.
Embezzlement is a serious crime that can come with many penalties, especially in the case of a felony charge. The woman worked in law enforcement in an occupation that requires core values such as trust and honesty. She may never work in that field again if she is convicted.
The woman needs a strong criminal defense or she could face a hefty prison sentence. It’s a good start that she admitted to the crime, although her doing so was hopefully on the advice of her attorney. She will likely be required to pay back the money as part of her sentence.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise defendants of their rights and how those rights should be protected during the legal process. Building a strong defense is what an attorney does in hopes of garnering the best outcome possible for their client’s case.
Source: Billings Gazette, “Woman faces embezzlement charge” No author given, Dec. 28, 2013
