Many of the most publicized cases of embezzlement involve the theft or misappropriation of money. An administrative assistant managing the office at a busy medical practice might dip into the petty cash every week to supplement their wages without their boss knowing. An accountant or salesperson might intercept money intended for the business or reroute client funds to their own bank account.
Frequently, claims of embezzlement do involve the misappropriation of capital, often because an employee has a position of trust within the company. However, businesses can pursue embezzlement allegations over non-monetary resources as well.
Taking property is embezzlement too
Perhaps an employer recently announced a plan to replace office chairs or workers’ computers. Employees might assume that they can keep the computer they previously used or the chair from their desk without seeking permission first.
Maybe someone working in a retail business receives instructions to transfer and destroy unsold merchandise. They might mark the task as complete and then load the items into their vehicle to take home.
Such actions may appear harmless, but they could justify embezzlement charges. The misappropriation of physical assets, ranging from retail merchandise to office supplies, is technically an active embezzlement according to state definitions.
Even in cases where workers know their employers could not have monetized the resources involved, their decision to keep assets scheduled for destruction or to take equipment that belongs to the company could lead to their prosecution later.
Reviewing the circumstances surrounding the retention of company property with a skilled legal team can be beneficial for those accused of embezzlement. Many professionals facing embezzlement charges can defend against those allegations if they have appropriate support.