LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An workplace manager, accused of embezzling hundreds of 1000’s of bucks from a dental business, stole revenue from two other Las Vegas dentists whilst awaiting trial, court files obtained by the 8 Information Now I-Group said.
Danielle Powers, 42, is charged with 6 counts of theft and 5 counts of embezzlement. In all, she is accused of thieving dollars whilst functioning for 3 dental tactics across the Las Vegas valley.
Dr. Deborah Staten, the owner of Desert Hills Dental on Fort Apache Road close to Russell Road, hired Powers in 2014.
“It’s so easy to job interview someone and then set them in that place of belief,” Staten claimed.
A movie on the dental practice’s Facebook web page shared with the I-Staff options Powers expressing, “Our goal right here at Desert Hills Dental is usually to make your dentistry affordable.” A further submit celebrates Powers’ birthday, calling her “the most incredible business manager at any time.”
“I had also a great deal believe in in one particular individual who just about nearly sunk my ship,” Staten claimed.
Powers is accused of thieving hundreds of 1000’s of bucks from Desert Hills Dental about a 5-yr span, court docket files reported. Evidence in that felony circumstance involves surveillance online video, which prosecutors claimed demonstrates Powers coming again to operate and having $7,000 still left on her desk.
“It’s really hurtful. It’s incredibly hurtful. The amount of deceit is just heart-wrenching,” Staten claimed.
Desert Hill Dental fired Powers in 2019.
In April 2021, a dentist at Smile Vegas Dental on Blue Diamond Highway in close proximity to Durango Push instructed law enforcement Powers had stolen a lot more than $10,000 from his business, law enforcement reported. The proprietor and dentist at the apply stated he hired Powers in June 2020.
The dentist turned suspicious soon after Powers “was adamant” about not showing up on the practice’s internet site and about not selecting any a lot more business office personnel. The dentist employed a private investigator who discovered Powers was dealing with charges for embezzling from Desert Hill Dental, police claimed.
“[The private investigator] identified Powers stole hard cash paid out by individuals and in no way recorded the payment to the billing software program, leaving clients with balances that they did not owe,” law enforcement claimed. “In other circumstances, Powers tried to conceal the theft by use of deceptive entries in the software package.”
In their report, law enforcement reference additional surveillance video clip, which they reported showed Powers having $300 from a affected individual and hiding “it below a stack of clipboards,” they said.
In November 2020, Powers told the dentist she desired a working day off for the examining of her grandmother’s will. In truth, she experienced a hearing in the Desert Hills Dental embezzlement case, police stated.
“Her grandmother has died numerous occasions,” Staten stated.
In November 2021, a 3rd dentist submitted a report with law enforcement, saying she far too was a victim. That dentist hired Powers in September 2021 and claimed $3,600 was missing.
“Defendant has created a mockery of this courtroom and her launch problems by continuing to engage in the pretty perform she is accused of in the immediate scenario,” prosecutors wrote in court docket documents filed before this year, asking a choose to hold her devoid of bail. “She proceeds to damage organization proprietors in our local community by working with their business as her personal slush fund.”
Officers arrested Powers exterior of her household previous week immediately after she skipped court in February.
“Were you surprised when this took place not only a next time but now a third time?” the I-Team’s David Charns asked Staten.
“It’s a difficult crime to prosecute,” she mentioned. “It’s pretty tricky to get by way of the system lawfully.”
In court Tuesday, Powers requested Choose Michael Villani to release her from jail pending demo.
“I created some lousy alternatives to get myself listed here, I concur to that,” Powers instructed Villani.
Villani observed Powers’ Tuesday hearing was on a bench warrant for skipping a listening to and advised her to file the accurate paperwork with the court docket.
Staten warned all dentists to do their homework because entrusting the man or woman operating their business.
“It’s so essential to do a track record test,” Staten explained. “If anybody’s going to be sitting down and counting your money or working with funds in the business office there really should be a complete history look at accomplished.”
“Have you talked to her considering the fact that?” Charns questioned Staten.
“No. No. I feel about it as soon as in a while, but no. I would not have anything great to say,” Staten reported.
She gained a civil case against Powers, in which a decide ordered her to pay out back the stolen dollars.
In her two legal instances, Powers had pleaded not responsible. She has not formally been billed in the third embezzlement case.
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