Following criticism over penalties in recent cases, Gov. Jack Markell has signed legislation aimed at making life tougher for embezzlers.
Legislation drafted by Attorney General Beau Biden’s office and introduced by Rep. Larry Mitchell and Sen. David B. McBride, House Bill 185 targets those who steal money from or defraud individuals or organizations.
“Small town governments, charities, and other organizations can take years to recover from the damage caused by an embezzler,” Biden said. “As a result of this new law, those who steal for personal profit face tougher punishments that better fits their crimes.”
Three of Delaware’s property crimes – Theft, Health Care Fraud, and New Home Construction Fraud – have penalties that are enhanced when the loss has a value of $50,000 or greater. Losses of $100,000 or greater merit even higher penalties.
Under HB 185, losses of over $50,000 in the commission of one of these crimes will be a class D felony, which carries up to eight years imprisonment. Currently, the penalty is either a class E felony or a class F felony, carrying maximum sentences of five or three years, respectively.
Losses in excess of $100,000 will be class B felonies, mandating a minimum jail sentence of two years and a maximum of 25. This replaces its current designation as a class C felony, which has no minimum jail sentence and a 15-year maximum.
Recent Delaware cases illustrate the need for enhanced penalties that take the long-lasting effects of these and similar crimes into account. One example is former Kenton Treasurer Stephanie Mickle, who was sentenced last year to eight years in prison for theft of Kenton town funds and forgery of town documents.
Investigators learned that Mickle had made herself Town Manager with forged documents and then proceeded to sell the town’s cell phone tower easement, accessing those funds for personal use. Investigators also discovered that from 2008-2010, approximately 900 fraudulent financial transactions were made by Mickle, who as Kenton Treasurer had complete control of the town’s bank accounts. Mickle used debit cards, checks, computer transactions, and electronic transfers of funds to pay personal expenses, including previous court-ordered restitution.
