Calif. Woman Pleads Guilty To Embezzling Nearly $1 Million
By Jennie Rodriguez-Moore, The Record, Stockton, Calif. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
When the 35-year-old Brewer became assistant controller, she reorganized the accounts payable department and started falsifying invoices and checks to pay for personal expenses, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors estimate the Health Plan of
"She was hired to put county controls in the health care plan," said Deputy District Attorney
Brewer was supposed to protect the county from embezzlers. "And she did. Except from her," Taylor said.
The county insurance group wasn't the only employer taken by Brewer.
During the investigation, authorities uncovered that Brewer had stolen a total of
Brewer had checks issued to vendors that provided personal merchandise and services to her. She paid student loans, her mortgage and her children's school tuition. She also deposited some of the money into her personal bank account and paid for home improvements.
"The money was used to support a lifestyle for her and her family that was well beyond her legitimate earnings," FBI Special Agent
The investigation was initiated by the IMPACT Unit of the
"This type of state and federal teamwork is a prime example of how cooperation results in fast, efficient, and appropriate resolution of cases affecting employers throughout
County District Attorney
Brewer's theft was detected six months from the time the fraud began, but in most cases, embezzlement goes on for years, Willett said.
Taylor adds that employers should have records checked by at least two people, who are not related or "chummy" with one another.
Brewer's crimes came to the surface only because one of Brewer's creditors,
Assistant U.S. Attorney
Brewer is scheduled to be sentenced
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