Red Lake County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Lengby woman has been sentenced in Red Lake County District Court after stealing nearly $300,000 from her former employer.
Chelsie Mae Mowers, 39, was sentenced Friday, May 1, on six felony charges. The charges included one count of theft by swindle and five counts of check forgery. A second felony theft by swindle charge was dismissed.
The case was handled in Red Lake County District Court. The court serves civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases in Red Lake County.
Probation Ordered In Felony Case
For each charge, Judge Jeffrey Remick granted a five-year stay of imposition. Mowers was placed on supervised probation for five years. She may be discharged sooner if allowed by the court.
Mowers was given credit for three days served. No more jail time was ordered. She must continue medical and mental health support while on probation.
She also may not use or possess firearms, ammunition, or explosives. Mowers was ordered to pay $200 in fees and fines.
Restitution Still Owed
Mowers was ordered to pay $23,100 in restitution while on probation. Another $113,064.58 will be docketed as a civil judgment.
Remick said Mowers has already paid $161,900 in restitution. He called it one of the highest repayment amounts he has seen in 20 years on the bench.
According to the amended complaint, Mowers worked for Triple D Construction in Plummer. She used $261,612.29 in company funds for personal use.
The complaint said the theft happened from Nov. 29, 2016, through April 30, 2019. It also said she forged eight checks totaling $32,035.06.
Mowers worked in accounts receivable and accounts payable. The complaint said she was not allowed to use company credit cards. She also lacked the authority to open accounts or make purchases.
Mowers Addresses The Court
Before sentencing, Mowers apologized in court. She said she had faced trauma, addiction, and personal struggles.
She said she has been sober for years and has tried to rebuild her life. Mowers also said she has struggled to find work because of the case.
Red Lake County Attorney Tanner Holten said the victims want to be fully repaid. He said they may also pursue civil action.
Mowers asked that the case stay out of the public eye. Remick said sentencing hearings are public proceedings.
More information about Minnesota’s check forgery law is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
