In Indiana, embezzlement is treated the same as theft and the laws governing embezzlement are the same as the laws that govern theft. As a result, embezzlement of $750 to $50,000 is considered a Level 6 felony, which can attract a prison sentence of six to 30 months and a fine of up to $10,000. If the amount embezzled is more than $50,000, it is considered a Level 5 felony that attracts 12-72 months in prison and fines of up to $10,000. A recent incident in the state will show why this discussion is relevant.
According to news reports, police have arrested a woman and her accomplice for embezzling over $1,600 at a departmental store. The incident happened at a TJ Maxx store in Bloomington, about an hour south-west of Indianapolis. Per news reports, the employee asked her accomplice to walk around the store and collect various items. The accomplice would then remove the price tags and head to customer service, claiming that those items were actually purchased earlier, and she now wanted to return those items.
The employee would then accept the return and process fraudulent refunds to the accomplice. According to police, the two women were able to repeat this scam as many as six times within the span of a month. Someone from the store’s loss prevention office noticed the irregularities and alerted the police.
When someone is in a situation that is similar to that of the two women, it is often possible that their rights, post arrest, are compromised. Another matter of concern is the fact that embezzlement can attract both federal and state laws, which means that the defense becomes an even more challenging task. In view of these complications, it may be a wise decision for those accused of embezzlement or any other white collar crime to seek legal counsel so as to protect their rights and also their future life interests.
