A former bookkeeper accused of stealing more than $250,000 from a Langley business over the course of three years is going to prison, according to court documents.
As part of a plea bargain, Shannon L. Brown, 33, pleaded guilty in Island County Superior Court May 13 to two counts of theft in the first degree and four counts of theft in the second degree.
The sentencing hearing is set for May 20. Under the terms of the agreement, the prosecution and defense will recommend that Brown receive a sentence of 17 months in prison.
The lawyers will also recommend that the judge order Brown to pay back the money she stole.
Brown is accused of stealing from her employer, Artisan Crafted, from 2014 to 2016, court records state.
In 2017, one of the owners of the business reported to police that Brown made $50,000 in unauthorized charges on the company card. Brown used the card to buy airline tickets, propane and items online.
Later, the business owner contacted the police again and reported that the new bookkeeper discovered that Brown had also made unauthorized deposits totaling about $215,000 into accounts associated with her name.
Brown allegedly told an officer that she stole the money to buy drugs for her husband so that he would stay high and not abuse her, court documents state.
