Seems Like Everyday

It seems like there is a case of embezzlement everyday where the accused has a compulsive gambling addiction. Here is another story about a lady in Oregon and this lady appears to be no ordinary bookkeeper she was also a member of the Oregon Bar Association. The story does reference online gambling which is very frightening because any computer in any business or home has a casino readily available. One of the more frightening things about online gambling is the relative anonymity of it all; you can set up an online account in a matter of seconds and within minutes be gambling your life savings away and in some case you can be gambling your LIFE away. Here is the story;

HILLSBORO -- Over objections from prosecutors, a Washington County Circuit judge ruled that a bookkeeper accused of embezzling $278,000 from a Beaverton company may remain free without posting bail.

Georgia Marie Irwin, a former bookkeeper at EasyStreet Online Services and former member of the Oregon State Bar, was charged with 14 felony counts of first-degree aggravated theft and unlawful use of a computer. She faces at least 11/2 years in prison and restitution payments.

Ronald Hoevet, Irwin's attorney, says Irwin is addicted to online gambling.

Irwin was fired in April, after three years at EasyStreet.

Police arrested Irwin in November after an investigation revealed that she had used her position at EasyStreet to write checks to herself. Of 168 missing checks, 135 were deposited in three bank accounts controlled by Irwin, said Beaverton police Detective Mike Smith.

Circuit Judge Timothy P. Alexander released Irwin on her own recognizance Nov. 10.

On Tuesday, Irwin, 52, sat with a fixed stare as attorneys debated her finances.

Bracken McKey, Washington County deputy district attorney, asked Alexander to set bail at $90,000 for Irwin because she continues to spend money she is accused of stealing from EasyStreet -- money she could be ordered to pay back as restitution. McKey said Irwin has taken two loans equaling $90,000 against her home since her release and lives "lavishly," owning two horses.

Alexander denied McKey's request. He said bail is intended to ensure that the defendant shows up in court, not secure funds for a potential victim.

McKey said prosecutors plan to seize Irwin's home in the 8000 block of Southwest 74th Avenue in Garden Home, arguing that she used stolen money to cover the mortgage.

"One of our local companies was extremely vulnerable because she was in charge of their finances," McKey said. "Now she's not working . . . she's milking away any money that belongs to the victim."

Hoevet responded, saying McKey "hasn't bothered to get the facts right."

He said his client took one loan for $60,000 against her home and that she used that money to pay for living expenses and attorney fees. He said McKey's move to take possession of the home killed its pending sale. The money from the sale would have been put toward potential restitution payments, Hoevet said.

Hoevet also argued there is no clear proof that Irwin used the money she allegedly embezzled from EasyStreet to pay for the home.

Irwin will next appear in court Friday, and a trial date could be set in coming weeks.

I will refrain from making any comments comparing my case with this case because each embezzlement case stands on its own merit and is unique in and of itself.