Bookkeeper admits guilt in embezzlement case

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Bookkeeper admits guilt in embezzlement case

Originally published March 16, 2011 at 3:59 p.m., updated March 17, 2011 at 10:31 a.m.

WENATCHEE — Former corporate bookkeeper Scott D. Brixey pleaded guilty Wednesday to identity theft and forgery, admitting he embezzled more than $250,000 from a Cashmere construction company via forged checks.

In a Chelan County Superior Court hearing where Judge John Bridges sentenced him to 45 months in jail, Brixey, 49, apologized to the owners and employees of Bethlehem Construction, where he worked for about six years while robbing its accounts.

“Through my crimes, I have lost everything of value,” Brixey said in a tremulous voice, reading from a handwritten statement.

Brixey pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree identity theft and six counts of forgery. The 45-month sentence is higher than the 33 to 43 months that would be standard for a repeat offender. In addition to jail time, he’ll be ordered to make financial restitution to his former employer.

Brixey was arrested in September 2010 after officials of Bethlehem Construction claimed he had stolen more than $250,000 by paying off his own credit card bills and loans with the company’s checks. He’d been hired in 2004 as a “job coster,” assigned to track project expenses and assist in bidding for contracts. As part of his work, he had access to a Bethlehem corporate signature stamp for signing checks.

His employers grew suspicious on Aug. 27, 2010, when Brixey received a call at the Bethlehem offices from a credit service and dodged it, pretending to be another employee. The credit service told Michael Addleman and his wife, Linda, it had received more than $80,000 in Bethlehem corporate checks toward Brixey’s own debts. A further check found more money had been transferred to two other personal finance companies, for a total of about $252,000.

Brixey did not arrive for work the following week, while Chelan County sheriff’s detectives were probing the theft; he was soon discovered to have checked into the mental health clinic at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

Brixey was at his home in East Wenatchee on Sept. 8 when sheriff’s deputies arrived with a search warrant. He has been held in Chelan County Regional Justice Center since his arrest that day.

It wasn’t Brixey’s first offense. In 2003 he pleaded guilty to seven counts of second-degree theft and four counts of third-degree theft for forging checks from his then-employer, Dolco Packaging. He was sentenced to a year in prison. That conviction was vacated in February 2010, after Brixey completed his jail term and paid back the stolen amount.

Police said Brixey was also convicted of fraud in 1984 in Spokane’s Federal District Court, in a case involving a U.S. Treasury check. The conviction is reflected in later Chelan County court documents, but specific information couldn’t be located in federal case files Wednesday.

Seeking leniency in sentencing, Chelan County Public Defender Keith Howard said Brixey was diagnosed with depression while in treatment at Sacred Heart. Brixey called himself an “approval addict,” basing his self-worth on what others thought of him and giving expensive gifts to win their admiration.

“This caused him to do things that were irrational, self-destructive and just plain wrong,” Howard said.

Chelan County Deputy Prosecutor Doug Shae pointed out the Addlemans hired Brixey despite his criminal history, trusting that he’d reformed.

“They gave him a good job, a job that paid well, and Mr. Brixey at least had an opportunity to repair some of what he’d done to his family (in the 2003 embezzlement),” Shae said. “But he didn’t do that. He’s a thief, and he continued to be a thief throughout.”

Bridges turned down a request to give Brixey a few days’ furlough before sentencing in order to help his family move out of their house, which must be liquidated to repay his stolen funds. He said Brixey “may not be trustworthy” in any promise to report for sentencing later.

Bridges told Brixey he’d put his family “in an untenable position of trying to cover for you and make up your debt to Bethlehem Construction Co.” Moreover, his acts probably soured the company on giving any future offender a second chance at work.

“Why would they?” Bridges said. “They gave you a chance. And that’s the real crime here.”

Bethlehem Construction launched a civil case Sept. 7 against Brixey and his wife, Julie, seeking a judgment of more than $252,000 to recoup the stolen funds, plus interest. Attorneys in that case last week said they were working toward a settlement.

Julie Brixey began divorce proceedings against her husband Sept. 9. They have been married for 29 years.

Jefferson Robbins: 664-7123

robbins@wenatcheeworld.com

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» 21 comments on this story

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lurker_berserker 2 years, 2 months ago

"tremulous voice"--there you go again, Jefferson, adding a touch of class to the paper.

wildchild 2 years, 2 months ago

45 months is alone time with out love from you famly. And think about the kids and wife that have to pay the det he put on them. Not right for the courts or bethleham to go after the wife and kids that didn't write the checks he did. Now there lifes are going to go down hill and the work will stop for them. it is the way we are hurt the one that have nothing to do with it.

wowdoode 2 years, 2 months ago

Don 2 years, 2 months ago

Four years for stealing, albeit a large sum to the construction company, but no more than a year's wages for many households in this valley.

Kill someone, get 10 days.

You have to love the justice system.

2 years, 2 months ago

You know with all of this talk of the sufferage of his family...yes they are and will continue to go through hard times but that doesnt mean he isnt either. Hes human, who is now through many eyes looked at as a criminal. but from my view he is a strong man who will get through this with his family right by his side. Just because a member of the family is not always around does not mean the love is lost, its just seperated. Best of wishes to him and his entire family as they continue in this thing called life.

2 years, 2 months ago

I very much appreciate and admire your courage and your viewpoint, Amanda.

This comment was made possible because of the ability to post anonymously.

I encourage every anonymous poster to append this to each and every post they post from this day forward. I know I will be. And don't worry about plagiarizing, Cindy Lou, it was made up specifically for people to copy and append to each post. We can't control what the WW does with their site--it's their site, and they have every right to do as they please. But we can make our feelings known. Thank you for helping.

Mslips 2 years, 2 months ago

Some people never learn. For some, three times is a charm.

This comment was made possible because of the ability to post anonymously. (sorry, dog dad for plagerizing your quote...it was too good to pass up.)

family4always 2 years, 2 months ago

Daddysgirl you are right on!!

Don't get me wrong - stealing is wrong on every level and serving time and paying back what was taken is only part of the consequences that go along with it.....and yes, the family does have some rough times ahead....and yes, things won't be the same as they were, and yes the family will move into a smaller house, but the family will get through it.

That said......

It takes a strong person to get back up and face those who so freely judge them. Those who only know what they read in the paper.
Scott IS a strong person!! He doesn't go a single minute without the love and support of his family and although we may be separated for a bit....that's only geography.

Scott's sister.

Duckman 2 years, 2 months ago

Amanda I like that you stay strong for your family....and I would do the same. However, reading the article I see that he has had many chances in life. Yes he will be considered a criminal through many eyes but that is for good reason. He has victimized many people and he needs to be punished for it. Being punished does not just end when you get released from prison. The book "The Scarlet Letter" is a good reference for him. Maybe you should buy that for him while he sits in the big house! You can have compassion for him but you should not expect his victims to have any.

this2shallpass 2 years, 2 months ago

This is a family matter, and really none of anyone else's business. So judge if you want, no one can stop you. But you don't know Scott, and you don't know Scott's extended family. So that makes it hard for anyone to take your comments seriously.

Bethleham Construction and it's employees have a choice. They can forgive Scott recover what they can and move on, or they can spend the rest of their lives being angry and harboring hatred and contempt for the family while trying to restore their pride. THAT'S THEIR CHOICE. I believe that eventually they will get around to letting go, and letting God and getting on with their lives.

Scott has a lifetime of regret ahead of him, so for those of you who want him to suffer, trust me...HE IS and will continue to beyond his release. He has given over everything in his life with monetary value trying to restore his debt to Bethleham Construction. There is nothing left for him to give. They have it ALL, yet they are not satisfied. All Scott had left to give was the apology he offered to them in court. And according to what Mr. Shea said the Addleman's don't believe a word that comes out of Scott's mouth. Sad...but understandable.

By the way, Scott's family also had a choice. They chose to forgive, to believe, to have hope and faith in God and each other. Scott has asked for professional help to overcome his demons. I hope and pray that he gets what he needs and upon his release his family will welcome him back with open arms. Because that's who they are and that's what they do. You should all be so lucky!

To the Addlemans...may you find it in your hearts to SOMEDAY forgive. LIfe is too short to carry such a burden.

sampriss 2 years, 2 months ago

To this this2shallpass oneday..

With Scott's track record, I don't want to know him. Scott has regret about getting CAUGHT. This is his third offense. THIRD. Bethlehem gave him a chance in spite of this. That was mighty gracious of them.

Don't think I don't know about addiction. I do. He is still responsible for his own actions, decisions and consequences. The addiction card is been played too often these days..

I feel sorry for Scott's family and the humiliation they must be experiencing. I also feel bad for Bethlehem for taking a chance and losing big. That is A LOT of money. I'd be mad too. I'm not sure I'd be so willing to "let go and move on" as you put it. It is easy to say when it wasn't done to you.

I think you might take your own advice and try being a little more empathetic to the victims yourself. "There is nothing left to give. They have it ALL."

Wow....

And as for "It takes a strong person to get back up and face those who so freely judge them. Those who only know what they read in the paper." How many versions and variations are there of theft?

Three times even.

Tcwmpbotatpa.

Katwoman 2 years, 2 months ago

whoa nelly - in your own words.....It's easy to say when it wasn't done to you.

sampriss 2 years, 2 months ago

Kat Woman,

It has been done to me. Been there...done that.

So...more of my own words. Take responsibility for your actions. If you have an addiction....do something about it. Take the steps. Not AFTER you been caught. Before.

"To the Addlemans...may you find it in your hearts to SOMEDAY forgive. LIfe is too short to carry such a burden."

That statement is true concern for the victims? Remember, they are the victims. They are entitled to have what was taken from them returned. That statement is just thinly veiled droppings meant to shame them for doing just that.

Disclosure: I do not know anyone involved. For once it would be nice to see people man up and accept the consequences of their actions.

Tcwmpbotatpa

family4always 2 years, 2 months ago

From what I'm reading here - the family is not disputing in any way that what Scott did was wrong, that he should be held responsible, serve his time, and pay back what was taken....they clearly state that.... and they also state that as a family they're going to stand by each other, lean on each other and help Scott get through this, which is what most families do. I guess I don't understand your anger.

sampriss 2 years, 2 months ago

I respect the family supporting him. He will need it and so will they. They have difficult challenges ahead.

That is not my issue.

My issue is with the statement above about Bethlehem taking all he has and not being satisfied. That in itself indicated that because he doesn't have it, they shouldn't get it. Why should they be satisfied with that?

It is nothing short of tragic the family will have to move into a smaller house or suffer possible financial strain as a result of his actions. They should lean on each other too, to help themselves get through this. They are the ones who will be living in the aftermath and picking up the pieces.

Scott is lucky to be surrounded by such supportive people and that they are on here publicly supporting him.

That can also be done without thinly veiled pokes at Bethlehem.

this2shallpass 2 years, 2 months ago

Yes, "To the Addlemans...may you find it in your hearts to SOMEDAY forgive. LIfe is too short to carry such a burden." It was true concern for the victims. No one wants them to carry a grudge forever. That would be awful for them. Everyone wants them to be able to move on, and get past this event in their lives. Any logical thinking person would say that what was proven to be stolen from them should be returned. In this case, every effort has been made for them to recoop their money. But if the math doesn't work out based off of the restitution, value of the home, the autos and everything else that has already been confinscated than that's just the way it has to be. It's not fair, but it's reality. What do they say about getting blood out of a turnip? My comments were not jabs. I'm not like that, but because you don't know me personally you have to assume that they are "thinly veiled droppings meant to shame them for doing just that". They were sincere words for the victims.

sweetgrandma 2 years, 2 months ago

This situation is sad all the way round... for Scott; his family and Bethlehem Construction. People were hurt... it is so easy to make judgements...For some of us, we live our lives following the rules... others blow it and make mistakes they wish they never had.... and pay for it.... I am glad that Scott's family is surrounding him with love... because that is essential for anyone....

This comment was made possible because of the ability to post anonymously

searching 2 years, 2 months ago

It is a sad deal for many reasons.

I wonder if Bethlehem will ever take a chance on a convicted thief again?

He is lucky so many people are willing to stand by him.

Chuck 2 years, 2 months ago

If he stashed the money offshore, or better yet-- got a gold account with the First Bank of Lakota (an off-shore bank in the US, safer than Switzerland ever was!) he may have a leg up on a decent retirement fund when he gets out. LOL

Proudly Posted Anonymously!

Annsboy 2 years, 2 months ago

shame on you Chuck : ) Having been stolen from a few times I feel for .................Bethlehem. They are not to blame for expecting their money back or for feeling betrayed. For many business, employee theft is the chief reason they go BANKRUPT. Would he have paid the price for employees being out of a job? That Bethlehem may be able to absorb the loss? please, how would you personally like to take a $250,000 hit? One more thing, do you really think Bethlehem will get what is due them? The reality is the crook has all the protections, the person who was wronged has to prove every dollar of loss, how? by spending a bunch of money auditing and then you still don't get it all.