A Detroit Lakes, Minn., woman who pleaded guilty to embezzling money from her employer paid $15,000 restitution Monday to the home-based business.
Stephanie Jo Disse, 35, was sentenced in Becker County District Court to serve 30 days on electronic home monitoring for the charge of felony theft by swindle.
Court records say Disse issued about $19,200 in unauthorized payments to herself starting in December 2003 while she worked as a bookkeeper for PURSEnality Etcetera.
The direct sales company in Detroit Lakes sells purses and other accessories.
Owner Heather Ware Nelson discovered two unauthorized transfers and 13 payroll checks above what Disse was entitled, records say.
ADVERTISEMENT
A phone listing for Disse was not available.
Nelson, who sold the business this month, said Disse stole $104 on her first paycheck and continued taking money throughout her employment.
Nelson said she believes Disse illegally pocketed nearly $23,000.
The theft affected the lives of the company's employees, consultants and customers, Nelson said.
"The ripple effect is endless," Nelson said. "How does a two-year-old company survive such a loss? It can't."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
