Friday, 30 July 2010 06:10

West Point Woman Arrested for Embezzeling from PG Ace Hardware

slide3-west_point_woman_arrested_for_embezzeling_from_pg_ace_hardware.pngAmador County – The Amador County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday the arrest of a West Point woman for embezzling from Pine Grove Ace Hardware. Sheriff’s deputies initially responded to the report of a crime on April 21, 2009. The owner of Pine Grove Ace Hardware and the victims in this case reported that in August 2006, they hired Ashley Marie Alaway, 26, of West Point, as a bookkeeper and accounts payable representative for their business. The victims stated they were ultimately forced to close the business and file for bankruptcy. During the process, some irregularities in bookkeeping were identified. The victims began checking their records and found that Alaway had fraudulently given herself raises and used business funds to pay personal bills and expenses. An Amador County Sheriff’s Detective was assigned and began the financial investigation. The investigation included additional interviews with the victims, the drafting and execution of multiple search warrants, a lengthy and complex financial analysis and numerous attempts to interview Alaway, who declined all interviews. Amador County Sheriff’s Detectives working with the victims and various financial institutions have identified no less than $106,000 in loss. Alaway, who was employed at Ace Hardware for approximately 18 months, gave herself raises within six months of employment, to over 33 percent of her authorized pay. She additionally arranged a direct deposit, effectively doubling her already inflated salary. Alaway also used funds from the Ace Hardware business accounts to pay personal bills and expenses, and to filter funds through various personal accounts. After Alaway’s employment was terminated due to the business closure, Alaway reported her fraudulently earnings to the California Employment Development (EDD) Department to acquire increased unemployment benefits. EDD has been advised of this investigation and Alaway’s fraudulent reports to that agency. The case was subsequently presented to the Amador County District Attorney’s Office for review. The District Attorney’s Office drafted a complaint alleging Alaway committed embezzlement. On July 8, 2010 the Amador County Superior Court approved and issued an arrest warrant for Alaway based upon the complaint filed by the District Attorney’s Office. On July 14, 2010, Alaway turned herself in at the Amador County Jail wherein she was booked for embezzlement. Via Sheriff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.