Embezzlement is a crime in Colorado that’s not limited to million-dollar corporations. Any type of business or organization can become a victim of embezzlement. For example, a Colorado principal and his secretary are facing charges of embezzling money from the high school they worked for at the time.
Understanding embezzlement
Embezzlement is one of several white-collar crimes that can occur within different settings. When someone steals or misuses property entrusted to them, that’s considered embezzlement. In most cases, the person committing the crime takes money or property from an employer.
Colorado embezzlement case
Ronald Fay and Jill Watkins are charged with embezzling more than $100,000 from Gateway High School. Fay is the school’s former principal and Jill Watkins was his secretary. The charges also state the embezzlement occurred from January 2019 to June 2021.
Additional claims
Fay is accused of destroying evidence after learning about the investigation against him and Watkins. Authorities claim that Fay deleted everything from his district-issued laptop and cell phone.
Fay and Watkins are also suspected of criminal activity during their time at Rangeview High School, where they worked before going to Gateway High School. Fay is also suspected of grade-fixing during his time at both schools.
Grade-fixing is when a student’s grades are changed to make student grades look better or to increase school graduation levels. As of March 2024, the charges in the Fay and Watkins case only apply to embezzlement at Gateway High School.
Fay and Watkins are set to appear in court on May 7, 2024. If the accusations result in a conviction, both parties can face jail time and fines.
