Montco Man Charged With Embezzling $1.4M From Chesco Firm
By Brad Segall
PAOLI, Pa. (CBS) -- The former chief financial officer of a Chester County company is under arrest, accused of embezzling more than $1.4 million from the business over four years.
Prosecutors say a bank employee noticed that a large amount of money was being drained from the account of Taylor Gifts, based in Paoli.
That triggered an investigation which found that 29-year-old Guido la Vella of Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, was allegedly charging personal items to his credit card and claiming reimbursement as a business expense. He was also allegedly issuing duplicate checks.
DA Tom Hogan says La Vella was spending the money on Eagles season tickets, luxury cars, and jewelry.
"The fact that he stole the money is offensive," Hogan said today, "but the fact that he spent it on such lavish, high-end items is really shocking."
Hogan says La Vella used his position of trust and access to the company's accounts to line his own pockets.
The charges include felony theft, forgery, and related offenses. Hogan says La Vella turned himself in and his attorney says he takes full responsibility for what he's done.
