A former instructor has been charged with embezzling more than $21,000 from Montana State University’s Western Transportation Institute.
On Tuesday, the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office charged Steven Jenkins with felony theft by embezzlement. An initial appearance has not been scheduled.
According to charging documents:
In May of 2016, an employee with WTI contacted the MSU Police Department about possible theft involving Jenkins.
The employee monitored enrollment and revenue for WTI, which is a department in the MSU College of Engineering that teaches classes on transportation.
The employee said she noticed that, dating back to July of 2014, WTI’s revenue was not as high as it should have been.
Jenkins had been instructing 17 or 18 private flagger training courses for WTI, which included more than 400 students, while working on MSU hours, using MSU vehicles for transportation and MSU funds for hotels, and printed kits for students using MSU printers and paper.
While his classes were registered into the WTI database, the school hadn’t received any payments or revenue through those classes and was not reimbursed for any of the other associated costs.
When the employee confronted Jenkins, she said he told her that he had made some errors with his bookkeeping and retroactively applied some of his vacation time to the time he had used to teach private classes. However, records showed that Jenkins had not applied any vacation time to the classes.
Jenkins was ultimately fired from the school.
Records showed that Jenkins teaching his private flagging courses with MSU resources while working on MSU time, all of which he did not reimburse the school for, resulted in $16,695 worth of losses for MSU.
Jenkins also improperly used grant money to purchase items, and MSU was required to pay back that grant money. He also didn’t return a number of items he was asked to after he was fired. Those losses to MSU totaled about $3,189.
And Jenkins spent $1,664 to make class materials for his students.
The total loss to MSU, police said, was $21,548.
During the investigation, Jenkins’ attorney told a detective that he would not speak with investigators. Jenkins later contacted the detective and said he was confused over how he could embezzle money when he didn’t directly handle money for MSU.
Showing posts with label MONTANA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MONTANA. Show all posts
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Friday, September 13, 2013
Former Lodge Grass school clerk guilty of embezzlement in Montana
A former payroll clerk at Lodge Grass Public Schools has pleaded guilty to federal charges for stealing from the school district by issuing herself a partial paycheck even though she had been paid via direct deposit.
Forty-four-year-old Kaylene Shane Red Wolf of Hardin pleaded guilty Thursday in Helena to theft from a local government receiving federal funds. She acknowledged taking at least $10,000, but prosecutors say the total amount is still to be determined.
Charging documents alleged the thefts took place between November 2011 and August 2012.
Red Wolf told investigators she intended to repay the money, but was having financial difficulties.
U.S. District Judge Sam Haddon scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6 in Helena and continued Red Wolf's release.
Forty-four-year-old Kaylene Shane Red Wolf of Hardin pleaded guilty Thursday in Helena to theft from a local government receiving federal funds. She acknowledged taking at least $10,000, but prosecutors say the total amount is still to be determined.
Charging documents alleged the thefts took place between November 2011 and August 2012.
Red Wolf told investigators she intended to repay the money, but was having financial difficulties.
U.S. District Judge Sam Haddon scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6 in Helena and continued Red Wolf's release.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Former Belgrade, Montana School District clerk sentenced for embezzlement
A former clerk for the Belgrade School District was sentenced Wednesday for embezzling nearly $49,000 from the district over the course of a year and a half.
Della Little, 50, was sentenced to two years with the Montana Department of Corrections with a recommendation for incarceration, as well as eight years probation. Little was sentenced by Gallatin County District Court Judge John Brown.
Little was also ordered to pay $41,822 in restitution to the Belgrade School District, an amount that was agreed upon after several restitution hearings earlier this summer.
Prosecutors say that Little, while employed as an accounts payable and accounts receivable clerk, used a school district credit card that had been issued in her name to make cash advances. All told, Little stole $48,848.61 between May 2009 and September 2010.
“Ms. Little’s actions compromised the public’s trust in the school district in these difficult financial times,” Brown said during the sentencing hearing.
Brown also said Little’s theft forced the school district to put in additional safeguards that cost the district time and money.
“Ms. Little has called into question the honesty and competency of all the employees (of the district),” Brown said.
The Department of Corrections has a variety of options how to handle those sentenced to its control, from prison to probation, but the recommendation of the sentencing judge is typically a significant factor.
Little was charged with embezzlement in February 2012. She pleaded guilty to the charge earlier this year.
“These monies are dedicated to children and were intentionally taken from them,” Belgrade Schools Superintendent Candy Lubansky said during testimony. “Ms. Little took the money very intentionally over time and was found out, but may not have been and could have kept going. And that’s pretty frustrating.”
Lubansky said the district has had to change policies and practices in how it monitors employees.
District Clerk Jay Bates said district employees felt like they were under suspicion for crimes they didn’t commit.
“It’s just been terrible, really,” Bates said. “People just don’t trust the administration office.”
Defense attorney Suzanne Marshall noted that Little had no prior criminal history and has complied with all court orders since being charged.
“She has tried to turn her life around, take responsibility,” Marshall said.
Marshall requested an entirely suspended sentence, saying probation conditions would be sufficient punishment for Little, who has shown remorse for her actions.
“(Little) found herself in a dire financial situation and made very, very poor choices,” Marshall said.
Della Little, 50, was sentenced to two years with the Montana Department of Corrections with a recommendation for incarceration, as well as eight years probation. Little was sentenced by Gallatin County District Court Judge John Brown.
Little was also ordered to pay $41,822 in restitution to the Belgrade School District, an amount that was agreed upon after several restitution hearings earlier this summer.
Prosecutors say that Little, while employed as an accounts payable and accounts receivable clerk, used a school district credit card that had been issued in her name to make cash advances. All told, Little stole $48,848.61 between May 2009 and September 2010.
“Ms. Little’s actions compromised the public’s trust in the school district in these difficult financial times,” Brown said during the sentencing hearing.
Brown also said Little’s theft forced the school district to put in additional safeguards that cost the district time and money.
“Ms. Little has called into question the honesty and competency of all the employees (of the district),” Brown said.
The Department of Corrections has a variety of options how to handle those sentenced to its control, from prison to probation, but the recommendation of the sentencing judge is typically a significant factor.
Little was charged with embezzlement in February 2012. She pleaded guilty to the charge earlier this year.
“These monies are dedicated to children and were intentionally taken from them,” Belgrade Schools Superintendent Candy Lubansky said during testimony. “Ms. Little took the money very intentionally over time and was found out, but may not have been and could have kept going. And that’s pretty frustrating.”
Lubansky said the district has had to change policies and practices in how it monitors employees.
District Clerk Jay Bates said district employees felt like they were under suspicion for crimes they didn’t commit.
“It’s just been terrible, really,” Bates said. “People just don’t trust the administration office.”
Defense attorney Suzanne Marshall noted that Little had no prior criminal history and has complied with all court orders since being charged.
“She has tried to turn her life around, take responsibility,” Marshall said.
Marshall requested an entirely suspended sentence, saying probation conditions would be sufficient punishment for Little, who has shown remorse for her actions.
“(Little) found herself in a dire financial situation and made very, very poor choices,” Marshall said.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Former school secretary charged with theft in Montana
Lakeside Elementary School secretary who resigned over alleged embezzling has been charged with felony theft in Flathead District Court.
Sandy Hawkes resigned at the June 5 meeting of the Somers/Lakeside School Board after it came to light that thousands of dollars were missing from the Somers Classified Employee Union account, of which Hawkes was the treasurer.
According to a court document, Hawkes confessed to a co-worker on May 25 that she had been embezzling money from the account.
The document alleges Hawkes later confessed to law enforcement “that she had embezzled approximately, she believed, $5,000 from the union account to help pay personal bills.”
An audit of the account indicated, however, that roughly $8,970 had been embezzled from the account by means of forged and otherwise unauthorized checks.
If convicted, Hawkes faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 as well as restitution to the employee union. A book-and-release warrant has been issued for her arrest.
No hearings have yet been scheduled.
A woman accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from Lakeside Elementary School while employed as its secretary has pleaded not guilty to felony theft.
Sandy Hawkes, 36, resigned at the June 5 meeting of the Somers/Lakeside School Board after it came to light that thousands of dollars were missing from the Somers Classified Employee Union account, of which Hawkes was the treasurer.
Hawkes allegedly confessed to a coworker on May 25 that she had been embezzling from the account, later confessing to law enforcement that she had taken approximately $5,000.
A later audit of the account claims nearly $9,000 was embezzled from the account by means of forged and unauthorized checks.
She entered her not-guilty plea Thursday in Flathead District Court. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Her next hearing is set for Oct. 16.
Sandy Hawkes resigned at the June 5 meeting of the Somers/Lakeside School Board after it came to light that thousands of dollars were missing from the Somers Classified Employee Union account, of which Hawkes was the treasurer.
According to a court document, Hawkes confessed to a co-worker on May 25 that she had been embezzling money from the account.
The document alleges Hawkes later confessed to law enforcement “that she had embezzled approximately, she believed, $5,000 from the union account to help pay personal bills.”
An audit of the account indicated, however, that roughly $8,970 had been embezzled from the account by means of forged and otherwise unauthorized checks.
If convicted, Hawkes faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 as well as restitution to the employee union. A book-and-release warrant has been issued for her arrest.
No hearings have yet been scheduled.
A woman accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from Lakeside Elementary School while employed as its secretary has pleaded not guilty to felony theft.
Sandy Hawkes, 36, resigned at the June 5 meeting of the Somers/Lakeside School Board after it came to light that thousands of dollars were missing from the Somers Classified Employee Union account, of which Hawkes was the treasurer.
Hawkes allegedly confessed to a coworker on May 25 that she had been embezzling from the account, later confessing to law enforcement that she had taken approximately $5,000.
A later audit of the account claims nearly $9,000 was embezzled from the account by means of forged and unauthorized checks.
She entered her not-guilty plea Thursday in Flathead District Court. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Her next hearing is set for Oct. 16.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Former University employee arrested for embezzlement in Montana
A Missoula woman is in jail after being arrested Thursday for allegedly stealing over $300,000 from the University of Montana.
Former UM employee Christine Rose Bitterman, 49, is charged with five felony counts of theft reaching back to 2003, according to court documents. Bitterman worked in the UM internal audit department and handled University Villages tenants' rent.
Records show that authorities first began investigating Bitterman last July when a University Villages tenant complained that her account didn't show that she had paid her rent, and showed a receipt as proof. A staffer noticed that Bitterman had been responsible for that account, and found discrepancies in other tenant accounts. Bitterman returned the missing money and said she had forgotten to deposit it. The internal audit office put her on leave to investigate, and she resigned from her job soon after.
According to court papers, after several months of investigation, auditors made a "conservative estimate" that Bitterman had stolen $304,007.27.
Bitterman allegedly managed to steal money over the years a combination of procedures. Auditors found she entered irregular postings in the accounting systems that showed a receipt card for cash payments, but then entering the payment as a check. Bitterman also allegedly entered adjustments to rent charges to negate the need for a payment. These procedures allowed her to keep missing cash from being noticed.
In October of 2010, according to records, the UM Office of Public Safety began investigating. Detectives learned that co-workers had noticed Bitterman frequently paid for items in cash, and her office emails showed she often spent about $400 month shopping at an online prescription store. Bank records showed she routinely spent more per month than she made from her work.
UM Executive Vice President Jim Foley, in an official statement, said "The University is aware of the incident, and the case is now in the hands of the court." He also said the University reviewed job responsibilities to add more oversight in fiscal matters.
Missoula Justice Court Judge John Odlin set Bitterman's bail at $100,000.
Each count of felony theft carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
Former UM employee Christine Rose Bitterman, 49, is charged with five felony counts of theft reaching back to 2003, according to court documents. Bitterman worked in the UM internal audit department and handled University Villages tenants' rent.
Records show that authorities first began investigating Bitterman last July when a University Villages tenant complained that her account didn't show that she had paid her rent, and showed a receipt as proof. A staffer noticed that Bitterman had been responsible for that account, and found discrepancies in other tenant accounts. Bitterman returned the missing money and said she had forgotten to deposit it. The internal audit office put her on leave to investigate, and she resigned from her job soon after.
According to court papers, after several months of investigation, auditors made a "conservative estimate" that Bitterman had stolen $304,007.27.
Bitterman allegedly managed to steal money over the years a combination of procedures. Auditors found she entered irregular postings in the accounting systems that showed a receipt card for cash payments, but then entering the payment as a check. Bitterman also allegedly entered adjustments to rent charges to negate the need for a payment. These procedures allowed her to keep missing cash from being noticed.
In October of 2010, according to records, the UM Office of Public Safety began investigating. Detectives learned that co-workers had noticed Bitterman frequently paid for items in cash, and her office emails showed she often spent about $400 month shopping at an online prescription store. Bank records showed she routinely spent more per month than she made from her work.
UM Executive Vice President Jim Foley, in an official statement, said "The University is aware of the incident, and the case is now in the hands of the court." He also said the University reviewed job responsibilities to add more oversight in fiscal matters.
Missoula Justice Court Judge John Odlin set Bitterman's bail at $100,000.
Each count of felony theft carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Great Falls, Montana Woman Charged in Soccer Club Embezzlement Case
The former Electric City Soccer Club Administrator accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from the club is sentenced today in Cascade County Court. In court today Kelly Martinez entered a plea agreement with the State. In exchange for a guilty plea to felony theft by embezzlement she would receive a deferred sentence; she would not have to go to jail and would be order to pay the full restitution amount.
Martinez is accused of stealing anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 from the club through fraudulent payroll checks. Court documents say she forged another person's name on a check and wrote checks to herself and her husband, who worked as a coach for the club. The court ordered her to pay the full restitution amount of over $41,000, of which, she has already paid about $21,000.
Judge Neill told her in court today how her actions impacted the community. Judge Kenneth Neill says, "You let these folks down, this soccer organization and these kids, you have many friends who have come forward and stuck their neck out for you, and expressed their hope and support for your future."
Martinez will serve six years, all deferred in adult probation. Among other orders, she cannot consume alcohol, drugs and must report to her probation officer. The court also ordered Martinez to pay a minimum $200 a month until the restitution is paid in full. Now John Parker, Cascade County District Attorney stated during the course of this case, numerous complaints were voiced from the soccer club who was angered by Martinez’s actions.
Martinez is accused of stealing anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 from the club through fraudulent payroll checks. Court documents say she forged another person's name on a check and wrote checks to herself and her husband, who worked as a coach for the club. The court ordered her to pay the full restitution amount of over $41,000, of which, she has already paid about $21,000.
Judge Neill told her in court today how her actions impacted the community. Judge Kenneth Neill says, "You let these folks down, this soccer organization and these kids, you have many friends who have come forward and stuck their neck out for you, and expressed their hope and support for your future."
Martinez will serve six years, all deferred in adult probation. Among other orders, she cannot consume alcohol, drugs and must report to her probation officer. The court also ordered Martinez to pay a minimum $200 a month until the restitution is paid in full. Now John Parker, Cascade County District Attorney stated during the course of this case, numerous complaints were voiced from the soccer club who was angered by Martinez’s actions.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Helena, Montana woman sentenced for stealing from parent council
A 41-year-old Helena woman must pay $5,000 in restitution for embezzling money from the Bryant Elementary Parent Council.
Rebecca J. Oss received a two-year deferred sentence for felony theft of property by embezzlement by common scheme. She also must perform 20 hours of community service.
Oss pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced Wednesday.
Oss embezzled “in excess of $1,500” from the Bryant Elementary Parent Council in the time between June 7 and Aug. 31, court documents state.
Oss was served with a notice to appear on the charge on Sept. 28.
Rebecca J. Oss received a two-year deferred sentence for felony theft of property by embezzlement by common scheme. She also must perform 20 hours of community service.
Oss pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced Wednesday.
Oss embezzled “in excess of $1,500” from the Bryant Elementary Parent Council in the time between June 7 and Aug. 31, court documents state.
Oss was served with a notice to appear on the charge on Sept. 28.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Kalispell, Montana woman pleads guilty to embezzlement
A 55-year-old Kalispell woman has pleaded guilty to embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from a therapeutic boarding school. Cynthia Jane Rasmussen pleaded guilty to wire fraud Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah Lynch in Missoula. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 18. Under the plea agreement, Rasmussen admits embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from Montana Academy in Marion, where she worked from 2004 through February 2008. Prosecutors say Rasmussen wrote herself multiple payroll checks, increased her salary when she processed the payroll electronically and used a company credit card for personal expenses. Court records say she continued to issue herself checks from Montana Academy after the thefts were discovered and she was placed on administrative leave.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)