Ortiz
GOSHEN – A Pine Island woman pled in Orange County Court on Monday to grand larceny for stealing over $1.3 million from the Village of Florida company where she worked as an office manager.
Donna Ortiz, 51, admitted to stealing $1.36 million between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2015 by diverting money into her own bank accounts, disguising the transactions as legitimate payments to company vendors.
When sentenced by Judge Robert Freehill in March, Ortiz is expected to receive four to 12 years in state prison and be ordered to pay back the stolen money.
The investigation began when Ortiz’s employer made a complaint to the District Attorney’s Office. The case was investigated by David Curtin, an assistant DA assigned to the Special Investigations Unit, and DA’s office criminal investigators, who uncovered evidence revealing fraudulent transfers beyond was originally reported.
The state Department of Taxation and Finance aided in the investigation.
“Embezzling is a serious crime that involves an abuse of trust,” said District Attorney David Hoovler. “The large dollar amount of this theft, as well as the extended period of time during which it occurred, are deserving of a state prison sentence.” Hoovler said employee embezzlement “not only risks the livelihoods of business owners, but of other employees who took no part in stealing.”
