An ex-employee at a major hog farm near Rivers, Man., allegedly bilked the company of $275,000.
Patricia Cavelle Bittle, 39, was charged this month with theft over $5,000 following a six-month investigation by Brandon RCMP. It is alleged the Rivers woman made a number of cheques out to herself while she was controller at Hangar Farms Inc.
“The lady was in a position of trust where she was able to write cheques out to herself,” said Sgt. Dell Schumack. “The owners came upon some of the cheques and they brought the matter to our attention.”
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The owners reported it to police last July. It was then a matter of finding out how much money had allegedly been taken from the company. Police had to track transactions back four years through four different banks.
“It goes to show you that this is what could happen,” Schumack said. “For a small businessman it’s going to hurt.”
Police have been able to trace where most of the money went. While they have recovered some, Schumack said most appears to have been spent on travel, property and pleasure.
Bittle’s court appearance is scheduled April 12 in Brandon.
