California Man Pleads Guilty To Embezzling $319K From Utility

Donnie Alan Thomas, 47, of San Francisco, California has pleaded guilty to embezzling some $319,000 from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission where he had been employed as a work crew supervisor.  Specifically, Thomas pleaded guilty to four felony counts -- forging requests for payment, presenting fraudulent claims to the city, embezzlement, and making a false statement for the purpose of reducing premiums, rates or cost of worker's compensation insurance -- and a misdemeanor count of failing to file a return.  Thomas, who was originally arrested in 2009, reportedly worked on private electrical contracts through his company Tri Delta Electric Inc. while on SFPUC time.  His scheme spanned at least 4 years, from 2003 through 2007.  With his plea agreement, Thomas will be sentenced to 3 years in prison and must pay restitution in the amount of $319,000. 

Read the story here and here.