America's economy is in a state of flux, and many investigations have begun into the seemingly underhanded financial deals that have gone on, particularly in the mortgage industry. While the media has been paying attention to Wall Street, Los Angeles criminal attorneys know that smaller embezzlement infractions have happened in smaller towns as well.
- In Connecticut, a wife and husband were charged with conspiring to embezzle about $250,000 from Northeast Mortgage Corp. on Main Street South, police said.
- Also in Connecticut, a former prosecutor received a 22-month prison sentence for using his position to embezzle $28,000 from his own union and to steal more than $55,000 intended for charities and crime victims.
- In Maine, a woman was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud in connection with a scheme to embezzle more than $300,000 from her employer, Multinational Resources Inc.
- In California, an attorney, who is now ineligible to practice law, is being prosecuted in Placer County for allegedly embezzling money from eight people between 2003 and 2007.
- In most cases, first offenses involving less than $400 are punishable by a small fine, community service, restitution and 3 years of informal probation.
- A second offense is a much more serious matter. It can be charged as Felony Theft (also called petty theft with a prior) and is punishable by a year in county jail or even 16 months to 3 years in state prison.
- When a person steals goods worth over $400 or money exceeding $400, it is a serious Grand Theft offense and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. With Grand Theft, you could be facing:
- At least 16 months in state prison.
- Probation or parole
- Restitution (paying back victims for their loss)
- Court-ordered counseling
- Fines
- At least 16 months in state prison.
