On February 14, 2014, the Los Banos Police Department launched an embezzlement investigation into an employee of a local business located in the 300 block of Johnson Road.
Representatives of the business told Police 34-year-old Tabitha Dawn Guthrie of Gustine had stolen over 250 industrial parts from the business during her employment as a parts clerk. Detectives learned Guthrie was selling the stolen parts on the internet. The business suffered a loss of nearly $200,000.00 as a result of the theft.
“The suspect used her position of trust to cover up her embezzlement from the business. Like most criminals, she was eventually caught and will have to answer for her crime.”
- Ivan Mendez, Detective-Sergeant
Detectives served a search warrant on Guthrie’s home in Gustine, California Monday April 14, 2014. Evidence linking Guthrie to the embezzlement was located in the home, leading to additional search warrants for financial records.
A warrant was issued on July 10, 2014 by a Merced County Superior Court Judge. Guthrie was arrested on the warrant July 11, 2014. She remains in custody at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000.00 bail.
To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org
