Full Notification

EMBEZZLEMENT COSTLY FOR THIS SAN DIMAS BUSINESS

Detectives assigned to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department San Dimas Station arrested a man this week suspected of stealing over $100,000 from his employer. 

Randall Newton, age 21, of Upland, was employed as a computer network administrator for a small retail chain, working out of a San Dimas office.  As a network administrator, Newton had access to sensitive information, including banking information and account passwords.  Detectives suspect that Newton used this information and his position of trust to transfer company funds to accounts under his control, including credit card accounts.  In the past year, unauthorized transfers of company funds exceeded $110,000.00. 

On November 27, 2013, Newton was arrested when he arrived for work in San Dimas.  Detectives also obtained and served a search warrant for Newton’s home in Upland.  As the investigation continues, detectives hope to identify any funds that might be recovered. 

Lieutenant Andy Berg said, “This type of crime would have a significant impact on any business, but particularly a family operated business in the holiday season.  We’re glad we were able to identify the person responsible, and hope he cooperates with the recovery of some of the loss.   Restitution might take some of the sting out of this betrayal of trust.” 

Detectives also had advice for all businesses, big and small.  Some basic, but essential, safe business practices should prevent theft by trusted employees and outside parties.  Best practices would include frequent audits and accounting, independent review of account activity, and multi-party inventory control.  For example, persons with access to inventory and financial transactions should not also be responsible for inventory counts and financial audits.  As one detective said, “You can’t make the fox responsible for counting the chickens.”  Financial information should be password protected, with access limited to essential personnel.  Inventory checks and financial audits should be conducted by persons not involved in daily operations. 

Newton faces charges of Grand Theft and Embezzlement.  He was booked into the Los Angeles County Jail system with bail set at $25,000. 

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Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, San Dimas Station
270 S Walnut Av, San Dimas, CA 91773
Phone: (909) 450-2700 or (626) 332-1184

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