If you suspect embezzlement in your company, then there are some steps that you should take immediately. Taking these steps may help prove your suspicions wrong and you will feel better in the end. On the other hand, you may discover that your suspicions are right, and you have to deal with the law. Here are some steps that you may want to consider taking.
Proceed With Caution
While you may have a suspicion that the case is even bigger than you think, you should always start every investigation assuming that an innocent error has been made. At the same time, do not think that just because a long-time employee is involved that it cannot be true.
Report to Bonding and Insurance Companies
Pick up your phone and call your bonding company and your professional liability insurance company. They can help you investigate the case, and they may help you pay back funds if client trust funds or property are involved. The goal of reporting immediately is to enlist their expertise and not do anything that might jeopardize a claim at a later date.
Contact an Attorney
There are very specific Utah laws that deal with embezzlement. Contact T.R. Spencer Law Office to help you understand the laws as they apply to your case. If the suspect is a Utah attorney, then the Rules of Professional Conduct requires that the Utah State Bar must be notified by the lawyer that you are consulting.
Use a Departure Checklist
It is important that you be well prepared for a volatile confrontation when you talk to the employee. Make sure that they have signed electronic disclosures to let you search for evidence on company computers. Talk to the employee in the presence of two other members of management. Confront the individual before or after work with other employees cannot overhear the conversation.
Call the Police
The last step is to call the police and tell them what you suspect and why. Allow them to investigate the case further. If news leaks out to the public, then make sure that you follow the advice of your attorney before you make any statements.
Embezzlement is a very serious crime. Take the time to investigate it first before confronting the individual. Then, call the police and let them handle it from there.