Massachusetts City Employee Accused Of Embezzling More Than $1/2 Million

Gia Maria DeSantis Cox, 27, of Georgetown, Massachusetts, was charged Thursday with one count of larceny over $250 and one count of conspiracy to commit larceny in connection with the alleged embezzlement of more than $518,000 from the City of Malden, Mass, where she worked in the treasurer's office. According to prosecutors, DeSantis handled refund checks for taxpayers who overpaid their taxes to the city. She would issue refunds to various co-conspirators who would then cash the checks. Cox was arrested last November along with Alan Vincent Valdes, 32 of Malden, who was one of the recipients of the fraudulent refunds. Eight others received checks from Cox, according to prosecutors, including, Andre L. Rogers, 27, of Malden; Susan DaRosa, 33, of Malden; Nicole Mungo Connearney, 28, of Everett; Richard Connearney, 26, of Everett; Patrice D. Orne, 29, of Malden; Christopher W. Daveiga, 27, of Malden; Kerri Johnson, 31, of Somerville; and Steven Foster, 31, of Somerville.

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Update (3/4/10): DeSantis pleaded guilty to charges of larceny and conspiracy to commit larcenyand was sentenced on March 3, 2010 to 2 years in prison. She was also ordered to pay 468,000 in restitution.

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