NCJ Number
106386
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (1986) Pages: 481-490
Date Published
1986
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study profiles contemporary bank embezzlers using data from Denver's U.S. probation office on 62 persons adjudicated guilty of embezzlement.
Abstract
The typical embezzler was a 26-year-old, married white female having a high school education and earning less than $10,000 annually in an entry-level position which she had held for less than 1 year. Ten had at least one prior misdemeanor conviction, five had at least one prior felony conviction, and four had at least one prior misdemeanor and one prior felony conviction. Embezzlers tended to commit their crimes alone, stealing less than $5,000 for a period under a year. The most frequently reported motivation for the defalcation was a marital or family problem, with most offenders using the embezzled funds to pay off personal debts. Significant differences in amount embezzled were found by race, education, job position, length of employment, duration of embezzlement, and involvement of an accomplice. 5 tables and 18 references. (Author abstract modified)