The Costs of White Collar Crime: The Case of the Stolen Prosthetic Legs

[Photo of prosthetic legs from wikipedia]

One of the themes of this blog is that white collar crime can be as costly, (or even more costly, in some cases), as violent, street crime.  As an example, consider the sad case of Amando Fontaine, a crime victim in Miami, Florida.  According to various news reports, Mr. Fontaine's car was stolen from outside his home earlier this week.  Motor vehicle theft is bad enough.  But this crime reportedly cost Mr. Fontaine more than just his car.

According to reports, Mr. Fontaine, an Army veteran, also lost his prosthetic legs and wheelchair mount, which were located inside the stolen car.  Now, Mr. Fontaine will reportedly have problems in keeping his doctor appointments and simple getting around otherwise, too.

Here's hoping that Mr. Fontaine's car will soon be recovered.  As you see, white collar crime can be very costly to its victims.

The Shameless Theft At Lincoln's Tomb

[Photo of Lincoln's Tomb from wikipedia]

Sometimes, it seems that nothing is sacred, or off limits, any more.  And sometimes, it seems that some white collar criminals have absolutely no consciences or sense of shame.  I am referring to the reported theft of a three-foot-long copper sword from atop President Lincoln's tomb in Springfield, Illinois.  Authorities have indicated that they have no clue who did it or when it occurred. 

We have previously discussed here the problem of the growing copper theft epidemic.  But this crime goes beyond that problem.  This crime offends the honor of a deceased president and strikes at the heart of all we hold dear and sacred in our society.

Sadly, due to budget cuts, security had been removed from the site over a decade ago.  And sadly, in my opinion, this is just another sign that some criminals have no sense of shame and that it sometimes appears we are all going to Hell in a handbasket. 

What do you think?

New Policing Trends, Stolen Mowers, and Phoning It In

You might wonder why there is a photograph of a lawn mower in a post dealing with white collar crime!  I will explain it in a moment. 

First, let's discuss some of the trends in law enforcement.  As a former state and federal prosecutor, (and currently, as an Augusta, Georgia criminal defense attorney), I never cease to be amazed at the changes I see in our criminal justice system!  Some of the new trends sound good and others not so good.  For instance, we have discussed before some of the "up and coming" sentencing changes, with a greater emphasis on alternatives to imprisonment.  In other words, most states facing budget shortfalls, including Georgia, are facing the harsh reality that they simply cannot afford to lock up everybody and throw away the key! 

But today, I want to talk a little bit about another trend, i.e. a change in the manner in which crime reporting will be dealt with by our local sheriff's department.  Today, the Augusta Chronicle has reported that the Augusta-Richmond County Sheriff's Department will no longer send a deputy out to your home to take a report on every theft, (or other minor), offense.  Instead, deputies will simply take such reports over the telephone and report to the scene of the crime only if absolutely necessary.  The newspaper also reports that this new crime reporting method follows the trend in other states, some of which even mandate online crime reporting for non-violent offenses.

What do you think about this new trend of "phoning it in?"  I don't like it!  I realize that, with tight police budgets, it appears to be more efficient to prioritize crimes and methods of crime reporting.  However, on the other hand, this new trend flies in the face of the last "new trend," called community policing, in which police departments were encouraged to be more attentive to citizens' needs.  Look, I don't know about you, but if somebody steals my lawn mower tonight, as a taxpayer and a crime victim, I want a deputy dispatched to the scene of the crime! And I want 'em there now and with sirens blaring!  And here's another idea -- I want the police to actually try to catch the lawn mower thief!  How about that idea for the next new policing trend?!

What do you think? 

Theft, Embezzlement, and the Bull Dogs

As a "Double Dawg," (i.e. a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, both undergraduate and law school), I try to keep up with all the "goins' on" at my old alma mater.  Usually, I enjoy reading about the University of Georgia Bull Dogs football team.  But today, I read news reports about a new criminal case at the school.  According to the reports, a former university business manager has been charged with racketeering and theft by conversion.  (In Georgia, theft by conversion is the statutory name for what is frequently called embezzlement in other states.  Did you know that the 50 states often have different names for many of  the same generic crimes?)

In this case, the news reports indicate that, between 2005 and 2009, the business manager, (at the University's Carl Vinson Institute of Government), embezzled about $220,000 by allegedly submitting bogus petty cash disbursement receipts while utilizing fictitious names.  As a former prosecutor, (and currently, as an Augusta, Georgia criminal defense attorney), it would appear that this may be yet another case in which the victim institution failed to have adequate checks and balances in place to prevent theft.  In my experience, as we have discussed here before, embezzlement is generally a crime of opportunity.  Offenders can often get away with it, often over lengthy periods of time, simply because no one is looking over their shoulders.

Here's hoping that the next news reports I read about UGA are happier ones dealing with my beloved Bull Dawgs!  Go Dawgs!

Celebrities and Crime Allegations: Lindsay Lohan

Various news reports indicate that it is anticipated that California prosecutors may seek an arrest warrant next week against troubled actress Lindsay Lohan for allegedly stealing a necklace from a Venice, California jewelry store.  A representative for Lohan has reportedly indicated that it is all just a mistake and that the borrowed necklace has been returned. 

Of course, this sad news report follows on the heels of repeated news stories about the talented actress' recent problems in drug rehab, along with her other past visits to California courts.  Laying aside any questions of guilt or innocence in this criminal case, I am confident that Ms. Lohan is tired of going to court and retaining criminal defense attorneys to help her.

Here's hoping that the talented Ms. Lohan will be able to address whatever problems she may face, or that some judge, or family or friends, will be able to intervene and help her.