Gambling addiction leads to 72 fraud charges

Gambling addiction leads to 72 fraud charges
MAITLAND LOCAL COURT
03 Apr, 2012

A woman who stole more than $200,000 from her employer did it to feed a gambling addiction, police allege.

From February 2009 to May 2010, Wendy Colleen James, of Gavin Way, Lake Haven stole a total of $215,042.60 from her employer – Marlborough Medical Service Pty, which trades as Good Health Green Hills.

James, 54, pleaded guilty to 72 charges of obtaining money by deception while working as practice manager for the Maitland doctor surgery.

The theft was uncovered by an accountant who was hired by the company director to examine its accounts.

While James was on sick leave undergoing a hip replacement the accountant began auditing records.

The accountant found discrepancies in salary and wage figures that revealed James was paying herself under different MYOB codes.

The accountant requested a second accountant review the figures, who confirmed the discrepancies.

The director was informed and spoke to James who admitted to defrauding the company and printed her personal bank statements.

James would record a sum for banking in the deposit book, but would bank less than was recorded.

Her personal account showed numerous withdrawals at Wyong Leagues Club.

Electronic figures deposited into her bank account ranged from $1000 to $6000.

Documents tendered to the court said James signed a Deed of Acknowledgement of Debt to repay $215,042.60 in June 2010.

During interviews with the investigating officer James admitted guilt and showed remorse for her actions.

James did not appear in court and is due to be sentenced on May 21.