Embezzlement Package Preparation

These instructions are intended to assist you in organizing the embezzlement information so that it can be investigated and successfully prosecuted. It is suggested that the following sections be placed into a binder with tabbed inserts. This allows ease in reviewing the information and the addition or removal of portions as needed.

The completed binder of information should be dropped off at the Westside Service Center - 1310 W. Miracle Mile, attention Financial Crimes Unit, anytime Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

SUMMARY OF THE CRIME

A brief summary of the embezzlement should include who, what, where, when, and why.

INDEX

This should list all the tabbed sections of the file’s content.

PARTIES INVOLVED

List identifying information on all the involved parties - victim, witnesses, and suspects. Identifying information should include:

• Name (including any aliases and nicknames)
• Address (work, home, others)
• Phone numbers (work, home, cell phones)
• Social Security Number
• Date of birth
• Driver's license number
• Physical description (race, sex, height, weight, hair color, eye color, glasses, facial hair, scars, tattoos, distinguishing characteristics)

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

This section should include a description of all the physical evidence – checks, invoices, contracts, employment records, photos, etc., anything other than verbal statements. Include the where, when, and how each item was obtained. If the actual physical evidence has not been turned over to law enforcement, put a copy of the evidence in this section. Make sure that the originals are stored in a secure area. The originals (best evidence) must be turned over to law enforcement for prosecution in court.

SUSPECT

This section should include details about the suspect and his/her relations with you, the victim.

1. Written and non-written job authority. Mention every time you, the victim, allowed the suspect to sign a check, authorize a contract, purchase material, or any other function pertinent to the embezzlement.
2. Responsibilities and job description. Also note any task that is required even for just one time. Job performance should be noted here, including the bending or breaking of any company rules.
3. All fiduciary relationships. Detail any financial connections between the suspect and you, the victim. Is the suspect a partner, silent or otherwise? Were there any loans (formal, informal, or personal) between the suspect and either you or the company’s officers?
4. All other personal attributes and relationships about the suspect. For example:

• Family ties to anyone in your company or affiliated organizations.
• Personal relationships and fraternal organizational involvement with other parties. (This includes any real or supposed sexual relationships.) Professional relationships among your staff or others involved.
• Political connections.
• Any known or suspected drug or alcohol addictions, gambling habits, or other vices.

WITNESSES

This section should explain what the witnesses and you, the victim, could testify to in court. You can include what you think they can testify to, and also note if the witness is reluctant to testify or does not want to cooperate.

CHRONOLOGICAL NARRATIVE

This is the most important section of the package. The chronological narrative of the crime should also include background information and environment at the business. Do not worry about listing too much information. Mention if you have any doubts of the data’s veracity or the reliability of the witnesses. Also, explain complex financial information, because the investigators and prosecutors are not accountants or financial experts. Put all industry jargon in layman’s terms and spell out any acroynms for their first use. All of your evidence must be clearly explainable to jurors, who, more than likely, would much rather be elsewhere.

SPREADSHEETS

Provide concise spreadsheets. Consider compiling a spreadsheet showing dates of disputed transactions, check numbers or transactions type, amount of transaction, payee information or merchant name, etc. Include a detailed description of each loss (i.e. checks, cash, and property).

General Points

General considerations that can help speed up the process:

• Your assistance is needed with clerical help for compiling, sorting, and inputting information and evidence.
• Do not hide any knowledge of political overtones or connections the suspect might have with someone in a position of influence.
• The suspect or others might give you defense rebuttals, alibis, or excuses. These should be examined and refuted, if possible, and then given to the police department or prosecutors.