5 Shocking Texas Panhandle Embezzlement Cases

They say that "money is the root of all evil."  In some cases, that may be true.  Money can cause people to do dumb things. That includes stealing it in shady ways. While most people wouldn't think a person from the Texas Panhandle would embezzle money from a place where they work, it happens.

Embezzlement happens all over, including the Texas Panhandle. Even the smallest of towns has had its share of embezzlement. When it comes to light, it tends to shock many people and destroy communities. Never in a million years would they believe this person would do such a thing.

Again, money makes people do stupid things.

The Quiet Nature of Embezzlement

Embezzlement often occurs over several years. Most of the time, the money being stolen is done in small amounts, so it's not easily traceable at first. However, once something is noticed, people start combing through transactions, and it doesn't take long before the accused are confronted and arrested. Once the criminal gets a taste of the money and how easy it was to take, they slowly start taking more and more.

Read More: Texas Tops List of Debt-Stricken States

Why Embezzlement Feels Personal in Small Towns

When you live in a small town, everybody knows everybody, and when someone you thought was trustworthy steals from the community, it hurts. The whole community feels a sense of betrayal.

Read More: Amarillo, Texas: Streets Feel Emptier as Blue Icons Disappear

Why the Texas Panhandle Isn’t Immune

Most of the time, you hear about embezzlement from big financial institutions, but it happens right here in small-town America. It doesn't matter how conservative an area is; it isn't immune to white-collar crime. Those in money or bookkeeping roles can be easily tempted.

No matter where you live, in a small town or a big city, money can tempt us all.  However, most people choose not to steal. Those who choose to steal are eventually caught and prosecuted.