A strong Pittsburgh embezzlement defense is going to be required for a woman who allegedly stole $77,000 from her employer.
Pittsburgh defense attorneys understand that the suspect was a paramedic who took on managerial office duties for the non-profit EMS in Seneca.
Those close to the case have indicated that the woman spent the majority of the money on shopping trips for personal items at Sam's Club, Giant Eagle, Target and other locations over the course of five years.
The 41-year-old has been charged with fraud and theft.
In a statement she reportedly gave to investigators, she said she needed the funds because she couldn't afford certain items - like chiropractor services, laser eye surgery, dental visits, student loans, flowers, magazine subscriptions and a trampoline.
While clearly not all of these items are necessities, one might sympathize with an overwhelming student loan debt and the need for proper dental care. She had filed for bankruptcy in 2006.
She reportedly used bank accounts and credit cards that the Seneca EMS had set aside for office and medical supplies to pay off her own bills.
Unfortunately, state law makes few exceptions when it comes to allegations of grand theft and embezzlement. Mostly, it's going to depend on the value of the items stolen.
For example, if the value of goods or money taken was less than $150, it's considered a summary offense, which means you may need to pay restitution, fines and could spend up to three months in jail.
The penalties get harsher from there. If the value of what you are alleged to have taken is more than $2,000, it's considered a third-degree felony, and you're facing up to 7 years in prison - and that's for each separate count.
One way a skilled Pittsburgh defense attorney might counter these allegations is to have all those charges consolidated into one. For example, this woman reportedly committed multiple thefts over the course of five years. A defense attorney might argue that it actually amounted to one single act of larger theft.
The only way to know what your options are will be to consult with an experienced defense attorney as soon as you suspect a criminal investigation might be underway.