Denise Rea Barner, Debit Card Embezzlement, Missouri 2023

A shocking case of theft has hit the streets of Rolla, Missouri, as Denise Rea Barner, 54, has been found guilty of defrauding the Robert L. Kyle Center Home for Semi-Independent Living Inc.

According to court documents, Barner, a former Director and accountant at the Kyle Center, used her employer’s debit card for personal gain. Between 2007 and February 2016, she made unauthorized personal purchases and ATM withdrawals, amounting to a staggering loss of between $95,000 and $150,000.

The 25-year-long scheme was finally exposed, and Barner has since entered a plea of guilty to one count of access device fraud. The maximum penalty for this crime is 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case, which was investigated by the Rolla Police Department. Barner’s sentencing has been set for October 20, 2017.

The Robert L. Kyle Center will be left to pick up the pieces of this devastating financial loss. The trust that was once placed in Barner has been shattered, and the community will be left wondering how such a heist could have gone undetected for so long.

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: those who commit such crimes will be held accountable for their actions. The people of Rolla deserve nothing less.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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