Gambling Addict forces small business into bankruptcy

Woman Allegedly Stole $1.5 Million for Gambling
She spent almost all of it on high-end slot machines
By JAIME ELICH


An employee is charged with almost forcing a small Chicago business into bankruptcy after stealing $1.5 million and then gambling most of it away.

Julie Nowaczyk embezzled the money over four-and-a-half years from ENR General Machining Co. while working as the company's bookkeeper, the Chicago Tribune reports

When the owners confronted Nowaczyk last summer, she admitted to taking the money and said she spent it all on high-end slot machines in various Indiana casinos.

Twenty-two people work for the Chicago machinery company. Its owners had to take out mortgages against their homes to stay afloat.

Nowaczyk's attorney says case against his client doesn't add up, noting it shouldn't have taken the company years to figure out if it was a million and a half short. [Now it's the company's fault?]