President of Accounting Firm Charged With Embezzlement

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) – Washington state authorities say the president of a bookkeeping and accounting firm has fraudulently obtained about $200,000 from a client’s accounts.

The Bellingham Herald reports that 45-year-old Sara Ann Greenleaf turned herself in to Bellingham police Monday and was later released on personal recognizance.

Authorities say the Greenleaf Bookkeeping and Accounting Services president was charged Tuesday with eight counts of first-degree theft and 27 counts of second-degree theft.

The client told authorities that thousands of dollars were withdrawn without permission after refusing Greenleaf’s request to borrow money.

Investigators say dozens of transfers totaling $197,100 were made into Greenleaf’s account between June 5 and Aug. 3 when she had access to the client’s accounts. Another eight transactions were made for more than $5,000.

Greenleaf is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 15.

A message left on Greenleaf’s business voicemail Wednesday seeking comment was not immediately returned.
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Information from: The Bellingham Herald, http://www.bellinghamherald.com