Embezzlement: Not Always a Sophisticated Criminal Operation

 Posted on November 25, 2024 in Embezzlement

When you hear about someone who was caught embezzling in the news, it is normally a high-level employee who stole hundreds of thousands or more from an employer or non-profit and carefully covered his tracks for years before getting caught. This leads most people to think of embezzlement as a high-profit and sophisticated criminal scheme. However, the cases that make the news are often outliers. Embezzlement is a more common criminal charge than most people realize, and are frequently prosecuted at the federal level. This may also mean that you were shocked when you were told that you were being investigated for embezzlement after committing what you thought was simple theft against an employer. If you are facing embezzlement charges, you need an experienced Dallas, TX federal white collar crimes attorney.

The Classic Media Image V. The Reality of Embezzlement

The kind of embezzlement cases we hear about in the media normally involve an already-wealthy corporate businessman who uses deception to steal a massive amount of money from the company he works for by falsifying complex financial records. The stereotypical embezzler is always a high-level executive involved in a highly complex scheme that might involve sneaking into the office in the middle of the night.

The reality is far different. While high-level executives can and do embezzle this way, the typical case is much simpler. People can be charged with the crime of embezzlement for taking even smaller amounts of money or property. There also does not need to be any evidence that you took money more than once - a single incident of misappropriating company, government, or charitable funds or personal gain can still be labeled embezzlement. The typical embezzlement scheme is not overly complex. Many embezzlers acted impulsively and without planning, often out of a desire to lash out at an employer they believe has treated them unfairly.

Common Examples of Embezzlement 

A few examples of the typical embezzlement case include: 

• Letting things "fall off the truck" - If you are overseeing shipments or large amounts of product, grabbing a few items for yourself every now and again can be considered embezzlement. 
• Making personal purchases with company funds - Say you manage a small office for a larger company. You tell your supervisor your office needs new furniture, then spend the money he allocates for this purpose to buy furniture for your house. 
• Hiding cash donations - Say you work for a nonprofit, and part of your job involves handling cash donations. You are upset about your working conditions and start occasionally taking a few handfuls of cash instead of delivering it to your supervisor. 

Contact a Dallas, TX Defense Attorney

Spencer & Associates is experienced in defending people who are accused of federal embezzlement. Knowledgeable Dallas County, TX embezzlement lawyer Arnold Spencer will represent you aggressively. Contact us at 214-385-8500 for a free consultation.