The ex-chief executive officer of Palm Beach Medical Group was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after being convicted of theft.

The sentencing was passed Monday. Her former co-workers were asking that she be jailed for the maximum 30 years, while the prosecution requested a 20-year jail stay. The defense acknowledged her guilt, and asked that she would be under house arrest instead of prison. The judge passed his sentence of 10 years, adding the difficulty of sentencing someone with such a storied history of mental instability.

The ex-CEO’s theft was approximately $3 million, far beyond the $100,000 categorical outline of grand theft.

During the proceedings, the defense pressed her mental problems as the rationale for her lavish lifestyle and overindulgence in luxury. They cited, especially, her teen marriage to a child molester who allegedly tortured her by locking her into rooms for months. Doctors had previously diagnosed her with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and major depression. She had a long history of suicide attempts, and many were worried that this jail sentence would exacerbate those feelings.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, your primary concern should be getting an experienced law team behind you. Contact the West Palm Beach grand theft defense lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A., by calling 561-353-2800 today.

West Palm Beach gas stations will be seeing new security improvements installed to cut back on credit card theft.

With increased identity and credit card theft, credit card companies have pressed gas station owners to purchase and install anti-skimmer devices. The new technology stops criminals from installing their own devices, which read credit card information whenever a customer swipes their card into the pump station.

This increase in security comes at a price, however. According to gas station owners, the expanded precautions could cost around $4,000 for each pump. The penalty for noncompliance does not allow for much arguing, as credit card companies have threatened to pull their services altogether if gas stations do not upgrade their pumps. Considering that the large majority of purchases at pumps are made with credit cards, there is little gas station owners can do to argue with the credit card companies.

The additions are expected to be completed by June 30th, although Exxon and Mobile stores have been given a December extension due to a lack of equipment.

If you or someone you know has been accused of theft, your best defense is to reach out to an experienced legal professional. Contact the West Palm Beach theft defense attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A., by calling 561-353-2800 today.