Judge doesn't buy Pa. woman's 'shopaholic' defense

[August 13, 2008]  PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A federal judge in Pittsburgh didn't buy a woman's defense that claimed a "shopaholic" disorder caused her to steal nearly $758,000 from her former employer. The woman was sentenced to 33 months in prison.

Authorities said the woman stole the money from WesDyne International, a subsidiary of Westinghouse Electric Co., by using a company American Express card to pay for vacations, home improvements, jewelry, a Mercedes Benz and other items.

Authorities said she covered up the thefts by creating 1,700 bogus expense invoices.

The woman's attorney said she couldn't help herself. But Judge Donetta Ambrose agreed with prosecutors who noted the woman managed to control her spending on her personal credit cards, but not the company card.

[Associated Press]

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