Michigan Woman Pleads Guilty To Embezzling $600K; Blames Gambling Habit

Jo Anne Wierenga, believed to be approximately 60 years old, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, pleaded guilty to charges she embezzled nearly $600,000 from Huntington National Bank, where she had been employed as a teller. According to reports, Wierenga took money from various accounts and the bank vault over a period of about 7 years, from 2002 until mid 2009. All in, authorities alleged that Wierenga stole a total of $578,836.12. As part of her plea agreement, she must pay full restitution and is barred from the financial industry for life. Wierenga reportedly blamed a gambling habit for her actions.

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Hat tip: Reader Joe.

Update (5/10/11): Wierenga was sentenced to 3 years in prison.