Robbing from Autism to Give to Herself?
There is much that I don’t understand when it comes to autism: How exactly the genetics work, the role of synapses, why belief continues in some theories of autism causation in the face of scientific evidence to the contrary, what Charlie means by “next time.” But why Shianne Verness, former treasurer of the RT Autism Awareness Foundation, would transfer $36,555 in funds for the group to her personal checking account—-she is charged with six counts of felony for embezzlement in Olmsted District Court (Minnesota)—this I do not understand.
Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem is quoted in the August 8th Postbulletin.com:
While the actions of Ms. Verness did not physically injure any particular person, the allegations nonetheless are quite alarming….
Taking funds from an autism organization for one’s personal use and gain: I’d say that’s something more than “quite alarming.”
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POSTED IN: Crime, Legal Issues, Money
12 opinions for Robbing from Autism to Give to Herself?
John Robison
Aug 8, 2007 at 9:33 pm
While I agree it’s deplorable, we have to be realistic. It’s just embezzlement. She didn’t single out “autism” as a victim. It’s just that she stole where she worked, and that happened to be our world.
Woof.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Aug 8, 2007 at 9:39 pm
I’m hoping that we learn more about Verness’ background and connections (if any?) to autism.
John Robison
Aug 8, 2007 at 9:50 pm
Christina, I would not want to learn more. What good could come of it? If she’s autistic, we’re all gonna be thieving autistics to half the ignorant news readers. We already went through that kind of press, with that kid stabbing the other kid in the Lincoln high school.
And if she’s not, no one will care anyway.
Regan
Aug 8, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Hey Kristina,
John is probably on to something. I plugged “felony theft” and “treasurer” into google news and pulled up 40+ different stories…embezzlement from schools, youth leagues, churches, PTOs, etc., all over the country.
Obviously some people just can’t keep their hands out of the cookie jar.
I don’t understand it myself.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Aug 8, 2007 at 11:10 pm
I didn’t mean to imply that Verness might have autism—I was wondering if she might have an autistic child or relative. We’ll see what the news media dredge up.
Regan
Aug 9, 2007 at 12:33 am
The RT Autism Awareness Foundation
Newsletter March 2007
http://www.rtautismawareness.org/documents/March2007.pdf
“…She (Verness) joined the Board through the coaxing of a friend whose son has autism…”
I bet her friend is not feeling so hot right now.
Anon
Aug 9, 2007 at 1:20 am
I would hope we can get away from the idea that white collar crime doesn’t hurt its victims. The lack of funds may preclude this organization from offering much needed services…just as if they were taken by force.
Victim
Aug 19, 2007 at 12:12 am
No, her “friend” isn’t feeling so hot right now, but nor did her “friend” ever in a million years think she would have the heart to do something so cruel. This affected many…including their friendship - obviously. I don’t think anyone can predict this kind of mailicious behavior.
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Sep 29, 2007 at 4:37 pm
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Matt
Nov 30, 2007 at 4:48 pm
the funny thing is that everybody is making it look like she took the whole amount all at once when she took small increments here and there to pay and bill and when she got the money payed it back right away it just added up over 3 years I’m not saying what she did was right but it’s gettting blowen way out of proportion
Regan
Nov 30, 2007 at 8:30 pm
“it’s gettting blowen way out of proportion”
I dunno, criminal statute might disagree.
The line between misdemeanor and felony theft is lower than one might expect.
Crimes of untruthfulness and dishonesty
http://www.defensehelp.com/show_content.asp?content_ID=93&category_ID=5
Kristina Chew, PhD
Nov 30, 2007 at 8:52 pm
It also is suggested that Verness was a friend of the family (?)—-a lot of trust betrayed.
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