Westland Woman Claims Gambling Addiction Led To Theft
DETROIT (WWJ) - A Westland woman is going to prison for nearly three years for embezzling more than $600,000 from her employer.
An FBI investigation revealed 40-year-old Lori Ann Caruso used her position at International Door Company and American Industrial Door in Canton to wire nearly $400,000 from the company's bank account to her personal account for gambling.
Investigators said she did this through 58 bank wires ranging between $3,000 and $8,000 between May 2007 and May 2011. She also used various company credit cards.
According to court documents, Caruso also used other employees' credit cards to charge more than $27,000 for her personal use.
In addressing U.S. District Judge Arthur Tarnow at sentencing, Caruso and her attorney blamed her gambling addiction for her illegal activities.
The owner of the companies also spoke, explained to the court that his company suffered tremendously, had to layoff 45 employees and nearly went out of business due to Caruso's actions.
Caruso will attend gambling therapy while in prison. She's also been ordered to pay restitution.
