NASSAU- An accountant who stole $200,000 to fund her gambling addiction has a escaped prison sentence.
Tabitha Wells stole $198.112.35 from John Watlings Distillery between February 11, 2020 through August 19, 2020.
Wells admitted to embezzling money from the drinks company after her boss questioned why vendors hadn’t been paid.
A subsequent audit revealed the extent of the theft.
Wells remained on bail pending sentencing after she pleaded guilty to stealing by reason of employment, falsification of accounts and money laundering in November 2021.
After reviewing a probation report and hearing testimony from a psychiatrist, Magistrate Kendra Kelly sentenced Wells to probation for two years and ordered her to attend gambling and drug counseling.
Additionally, Wells has to repay the stolen money in installments. So far, she’s repaid $2,000.
Should Wells breach of any of these conditions, she will serve a default sentence of two years.
