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WHITE PLAINS---The bookkeeper for the Westchester Foundation For Autism is accused of stealing from the non-profit agency.
Claudia Gomez, 43, of Windsor Terrace, White Plains, has been charged with third degree grand larceny.
Prosecutors said that over a nearly three year period between Jan. 12, 2004 and Oct. 17, 2006, Gomez issued approximately 19 checks payable to "cash" drawn upon the Foundation's bank account. The defendant had no authorization to issue these checks, according to prosecutors.
She then allegedly deposited the checks into her personal bank account in White Plains. The total value of those checks was approximately $36,531.18. Prosecutors say the stolen money was used to pay for personal expenses.
The Foundation did an internal investigation and contacted the Westchester County District Attorney's Office. At the time of the thefts, the defendant's husband was vice president and a member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation. There is no evidence that he was involved. He resigned when the theft was discovered.
Bail was set at $2,500. Gomez' next court date is May 14. She faces up to seven years in state prison if convicted. 4-28-07
© 2007 North
Country Gazette
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