http://times-journal.com/story.lasso?to ... RvNv231698
Charges upgraded for alleged embezzler
By Kelly Townsend
The Times-Journal
Published January 5, 2008
A Scottsboro man accused of embezzling $4,600 from a local bonding company in July now faces upgraded first-degree theft of property charges.
Bryan Lewis Clements, 27, turned himself in on Aug. 3 and was charged with second-degree theft of property.
But a DeKalb County grand jury upgraded his charges to first-degree theft of property in December, according to Assistant District Attorney Bob Johnston.
“Anytime we have an amount that is alleged to have been stolen that is more than $2,500, first-degree theft of property can be charged,” Johnston said. “That was the case here, and that is why he was charged with first-degree theft of property.”
Clements was booked in the DeKalb County jail on $5,000 bond Thursday and later released.
DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said Clements was arrested in July after a local bondsmen suspected someone had stolen $4,600 from the company.
“We had documentation, including an internal audit, that supported the theft,” Harris said.
He said during the investigation, a statement was taken from Clements.
“Based on the statement, financial audit and other evidence, a warrant was obtained charging Clements with second-degree theft of property,” Harris said.
Harris said he believed Clements repaid the money to the company.
If convicted, Clements could face up to 20 years in prison.
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