Santa Cruz County Bank employee faces embezzlement charges www.privateofficer.com
The arraignment of Alexandria Gonzalez, 30, was postponed to June 12, to give her time to finalize an agreement with defense attorney George Gigarjian.
Gonzalez has strong family ties to the area and is a single, working mom who has no criminal record, he said.
She has paid back $20,600, and admitted to taking that amount, he said.
Authorities allege she stole an additional $65,000.
Prosecutor Sara Dabkowski argued for bail of $100,000, telling the judge that Gonzalez made several withdrawals over a period of time, violating the trust of her employer.
About 12 people came to court in support of Gonzalez and Symons said she received letters on her behalf as well.
Symons said she was concerned about an unconfirmed report that one of the bank clients was an elderly person.
“The court is concerned about an elderly victim,” she said. “That is a different level of responsibility.”
But Symons granted the release, warning that she could revise her ruling if given additional incriminating evidence. She asked Dabkowski to give her any information on any elderly victim.
Symons ordered Gonzalez to not work in any capacity granting her access to other people’s money, and to tell any current or future employers about the accusations.
She ordered her to stay away from the bank and the clients she is alleged to have stolen from.
Court records show the violations came to light in December, and that Gonzalez has been charged with grand theft.
Source: mercury news
