In California, some jobs come with a lot of responsibility. You could be responsible for company assets, finances, transactions or any number of equally sensitive areas. Unfortunately, the people holding such jobs often come under considerable scrutiny. If a single cent goes missing, you could find your integrity being questioned. Sadly, it may be the case that you simply made a mistake, but if it appears that your actions were deliberate, you could face charges of fraud, embezzlement or any number of other white collar offenses.
In Orange County, a 40-year-old woman has been charged with embezzlement after gift cards worth a total of $120,000 allegedly disappeared from the school at which she worked as an office manager. The principal is said to have discovered the absence of the cards which had been part of a fundraising program run by the school.
According to the case, the woman stands accused of using funds from cards she sold to buy luxury items and even to pay for some private tuition. Her charges include money laundering and grand theft and she faces a total of 15 felony counts. A conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Charges of this nature are not something to be taken lightly, so if you have been accused of a white collar crime, it is important to act quickly. An attorney may be able to assist you with your defense and advise you on how best to proceed. With the right guidance, you may be able to avoid conviction and protect your reputation, your career and your future.
Source: Orange County Register, “Office manager charged with embezzling thousands of dollars from Catholic school fundraising program,” Kelly Puente, Feb. 24, 2015