John Patrick Mullin (Marin County Jail)
A Lake County man was arrested on allegations he swindled more than $100,000 from a Novato clothing company.
 
John Patrick Mullin, 44, of Hidden Valley Lake was booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of embezzlement and conspiracy to commit a crime. His bail was set at $200,000.
Novato police Lt. Oliver Collins declined to release information about any suspected conspirators, saying the investigation is ongoing.

The theft allegations were reported about a year ago by the Ben Davis Co., which has its headquarters on Bel Marin Keys Boulevard. The investigation has been going on since then.

The alleged crimes occurred between April 2008 and last April, said Novato police Cpl. Christopher Jacob. Police are investigating whether the alleged embezzlement included both financial transactions and merchandise.

Frank Davis, head of the 77-year-old company, said Mullin was fired in April and the alleged theft was discovered after that. Davis said the exact losses have yet to be determined.
"John worked for Ben Davis for over 10 years; I look forward to getting at the facts," Davis said in an email. "I am hoping that John will 'come clean.'"

Mullin is now employed as the controller of a wine business based in Hopland. The general manager declined to comment, saying the company was just learning of the investigation.