August 14, 2003
Thursday - 6:25 pm

A husband and wife who embezzled thousands of dollars from the Alaska Peace Officer's Association between 1998 and 2000 were convicted of theft and sentenced Tuesday in Anchorage District Court. Margaret and John Charbonneau each received a 90-day suspended jail sentence and $2,000 fines, and were placed on probation for two years.

According to Assistant Attorney General Kevin Burke the stolen money was paid back before the case was prosecuted. Burke said, "We are happy that APOA recovered the stolen money and that it can continue its operations, but we cannot overlook the fact that a crime was committed by members of the law enforcement community who held positions of trust in the organization."

APOA is a non-profit organization of active and retired members of law enforcement. APOA promotes the interests of peace officers and the advancement of professionalism in law enforcement. Margaret Charbonneau admitted stealing over $8,000 while treasurer for APOA. John Charbonneau worked for the Alcohol Beverage Control Board until his retirement. He admitted taking another $17,000 while overseeing the APOA Memorial Site Fund.

Judge Nancy Nolan noted the couple's lack of any prior criminal conduct and the fact that the money had been paid back, but emphasized the seriousness of the offense by imposing 90 days that could be served if probation is violated. The couple entered their pleas by telephone from their home in Idaho.

Source of News Release:

Alaska Department of Law
Web Site

 

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