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Crime & Safety

Bookkeeper Found Guilty In LBI Theft

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the conclusion of the trial against Gina Harle, 56, of Loveladies, Long Beach Township

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the conclusion of the trial against Gina Harle, 56, of Loveladies, Long Beach Island.

After a five week trial, the jury found Harle guilty of Second Degree Computer Theft and Third Degree Theft.  She was immediately lodged in Ocean County jail.

The investigation began in late 2007 when the owners of Hot Spring Spas, LTD in Ship Bottom went to Ship Bottom Police Department to report the suspected thefts.  Hot Springs Spas is in the business of selling and servicing hot tubs and Gina Harle worked as a bookkeeper for the business.

Ship Bottom Police Det. Michael Nash and Ocean County Prosecutor Det. Thomas Tiernen began building the case when the results of a forensic accounting audit found that the owner’s fears were not unfounded.

In March 2010, Senior Assistant Prosecutor Martin Anton secured the indictment of Harle, and with the help of Assistant Prosecutor Peter Ryan, prepared to bring the case to trial.

The trail ended this week and the jury found that, between March of 2004 and August of 2007, Harle had inappropriately used the Hot Springs Spa credit card, paid her credit card bills, and even paid $26,000 on her Volvo automobile with Hot Springs monies.

Assistant Prosecutors Anton and Ryan also successfully presented during the trail that, between June 2006 and July 2007, Harle accessed a computer or computer network for the purpose of paying over $6000 in her personal online bills with company funds.

Sentencing is set for the 26th of July. Harle is facing up to 10 years in prison and approximately $53,000 in restitution to be paid to the company.

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