State v. Ms. B (DMC No. 16544) – Felony Embezzlement/Fraudulent Schemes ($207,011), (2 Counts) Felony Trafficking in Stolen Property, (3 Counts) Felony Computer Tampering, and (2 Counts) Felony Theft – Reduced to Probation (with Zero Days in Jail) and Permission to Move to Colorado on Interstate Compact – Maricopa County Superior Court (Case No. CR2022-001153)
Ms. B worked as an events manager for a local electrical supply distribution center. She was in charge of putting on various events such as golf tournaments, and she was given control of the company credit card. After working for several years at the company, it was discovered that she charged $207,011 for gift cards, and other expenses for events that were never held. It was also discovered she used that money to buy Coach brand purses, shoes, trips, and other gift cards that she kept for herself. When she was confronted, she admitted to everything and was promptly fired. It was at that time she secured the services of DM Cantor.
We were able to contact the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office prior to Ms. B being Charged. Although she had paid back most of the money she had taken, the Deputy Maricopa County Attorney eventually got around to Charging her with the Felonies of Embezzlement/Fraudulent Schemes, Trafficking in Stolen Property, Computer Tampering, and Theft. We put together a Mitigation Package showing all of her family support and other good deeds and responsibilities involved in her life. We also showed them that she was having relationship issues, and this was part of the reason for her actions. Ultimately, the State agreed to give a Reduced Offer that included a Plea to Probation. However, it was still up to the Judge as to whether she would do up to 1 Year in Jail.
At Sentencing, we displayed all of the Mitigation information to the Judge, and he agreed to sentence her to Probation with Zero Days in Jail. In addition, he allowed Ms. B to travel and live in Colorado per the Interstate Compact. Had Ms. B been Convicted of all Charges at Trial, due to the amount of illegally obtained money, she would have had Mandatory Prison (most likely in the Five-Year Range).
