Many companies may choose to give their employees the power to handle a variety of financial transactions. When monetary challenges arise, it might not be uncommon for a business to take steps to find the root of the issues and in some cases, this may leave the owners in search of someone to blame. A 46-year-old woman is now facing embezzlement charges after she was accused of stealing funds from an orthopedic practice in California.
According to reports, California Orthopedic Specialists Inc. asserts that the theft was discovered after a doctor received a complaint from a contractor. The contractor reportedly informed the company that it had yet to receive payment for services rendered. While taking a closer look at company records, a doctor says that he discovered a variety of inconsistencies within the company’s financial records.
The company claims to have uncovered evidence indicating large payments that were directed into a group account, along with unusually high credit card balances. While many of the details surrounding the subsequent investigation remain unclear, the company has since accused a former bookkeeper of stealing as much as $1.5 million from the company over a period of three years. She is now facing embezzlement charges and would likely face severe consequences should a conviction be obtained.
A conviction for embezzlement charges carries severe penalties that could have a lingering impact on a person’s future. Those who stand accused of similar offenses could benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible for advice in making informed choices about their case. An attorney can examine the charges and evidence against a client in California and assist him or her in forming a strong defense for use during subsequent court proceedings.