Woman admits embezzling $800,000 from bank

Tools

By The Associated Press

Story Published: Jul 9, 2009 at 6:14 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 9, 2009 at 6:14 PM MST

MISSOULA - A 45-year-old Missoula woman has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $800,000 from the bank where she worked.

Leslie S. Stehr entered her plea Thursday in U.S. District Court. Stehr, who has been released on conditions, faces sentencing on Oct. 29.

Court records say Stehr started working at First National Bank in February 1999 and began embezzling in November 1999. Her position as teller supervisor and vault supervisor allowed her to manipulate the bank's records so the thefts went undetected.

Prosecutors say Stehr used the money for shopping, paying bills, travel and buying lavish gifts for herself and friends. All but $50,000 of the stolen money has been recovered through the bank's insurance, according to Adam McQuiston, the bank's market president.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

News, Sports, Weather for Great Falls, Helena, and all of Montana and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Great Falls Weather

Icon
Current Temp 52.0 °F
Fair and Breezy
Wind : from the South at 25.3 gusting to 33.4 MPH (22 gusting to 29 KT)
Pressure : 997.5 mb
Humidity : 13 %
Click here for our video forecast
More Weather

Helena Weather

Icon
Current Temp 37.0 °F
Fair
Wind : West at 5.8 MPH (5 KT)
Pressure : 1003.6 mb
Humidity : 42 %
More Weather

On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Cast Your Vote

Do you like the new Montana license plates being proposed?

  • Yes
  • No
  • I'm on the fence

AP Video