There were recently two embezzling cases that ended with two very different sentences for the defendants. One of the defendants is a former clerk-treasurer for Amherst and the other is an ex-football player for the Browns.
Both of the individuals stole over $100,000. Both had gambling problems and issues with mental health. However, the ex-football player was sentenced to 21 months in a federal prison. The former clerk-treasurer was given a six-month sentence, and she can get to leave for work each day.
The football player pleaded guilty making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and to wire fraud involving the embezzlement of over $110,000 from nonprofit organizations such as the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance. The money was used as his own for gambling at casinos across the country and other personal expenses.
The clerk-treasurer was sentenced to six months in jail for theft in office and tampering with records. She was ordered to pay back more than $677,000. The money was reportedly used to buy lottery tickets.
The two sentences were vastly different, although that shows how fickle the criminal justice system can be at times. Even though restitution is ordered in both cases, it is possible that it will not be paid back in full simply because of the amounts.
White collar crimes are more serious than many people might realize. It’s important for those facing such crimes to work quickly to develop a defense strategy that will help them in these cases. An attorney experienced in embezzlement and other white collar crimes can be very helpful.
Source: cleveland.com, “A look at two embezzlement cases: Reggie Rucker and Kim Green,” Emily Banforth, accessed Oct. 28, 2016