KTLA reports that seven Riverside County employees have been accused of stealing more that $500,000 from a fund for needy children. They have been charged with embezzlement, grand theft and fraud. Embezzlement is defined as the "fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted." An embezzlement conviction requires proof that the defendant did not own the property.
Here, the District Attorney has alleged that the county workers diverted funds from the government to relatives and family members for several years. Prosecutors claim the money was then used to go on elaborate vacations. If convicted, the suspects face 5 to 7 years.
In many instances, charges of embezzlement can be explained by errors in accounting or inaccurate reporting. An experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can analyze the facts of any alleged embezzlement scheme and determine possible defenses. In some cases, early intervention of an embezzlement defense lawyer can result in a civil compromise and avoid a criminal conviction and penalties.
If you have been accused of stealing from your employer, time is of the essence. For more information, contact The Chahine Law Firm at 800-950-7755 for a free consultation.
