[MN] Can I press criminal charges if my finance manager embezzled money from me?
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To address your situation, here are some steps you can consider:
1. Consult an Attorney
It’s advisable to consult with a local attorney who specializes in contract law or fraud. They can help you understand the specifics of your case and guide you through the legal process. Hiring a lawyer is not mandatory, but it can significantly strengthen your case.
2. Gather Evidence
Collect all relevant documents, such as the signed tuition statement, any communications regarding the payments, and records of the unpaid amounts. This evidence will be crucial in building your case.
3. Consider Civil Action
You can file a civil lawsuit for breach of contract. This would involve seeking damages for the unpaid tuition and any additional losses incurred due to her actions.
4. Explore Criminal Charges
If you believe there was intentional deceit, you might consider reporting the matter to local law enforcement. They can investigate whether criminal charges, such as fraud, are applicable (Minnesota Statute § 609.52, Subd. 2(4)).
5. Mediation or Settlement
Before pursuing litigation, consider if a mediated settlement could resolve the issue. This can be a quicker and less costly option. This does not preclude pursuing criminal charges afterward.
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Hi, my finance manager hid the fact that she was paying for her situation, and now owes the center $11,000. Can we sue her for damages or file criminal charges?
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Have you already confronted your finance manager about the missing funds?
Yes, we have, and she admitted to not paying.
Can you provide more details about the specific actions your finance manager took that led to the $11,000 debt owed to the center?
We have a signed letter with her admission, plus a PIP.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
We have logged the record where it shows she didn’t pay her children’s tuition.
Hi there! Welcome to AskaLawyer. My name is Liz, and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade. I’m here to assist with your concerns. So I can best help, did your finance manager embezzle funds from you?
Not sure. She withheld the fact that she didn’t pay her tuition for over a year while her children attended the school. She now owes $11,000. At first, it was $19,000.
Thanks for sharing that. Could you let me know where you're located? Laws can vary by location. Also, did your finance manager have any specific responsibilities with collecting tuition?
Minnesota.
Got it, thanks! Was there any formal agreement or contract regarding her responsibilities for handling tuition payments?
Yes, we have a tuition statement that she signed.
Since there was a signed tuition statement, failing to fulfill the payment obligations could constitute a breach of contract. This means she did not adhere to the agreed terms, which can be legally actionable.
If your finance manager knowingly misrepresented her actions or intentions regarding the tuition payments, it might be considered fraud. Fraud involves deceitful practices intended to secure unfair or unlawful gain.
Okay. How would we go about filing those charges? Do we hire a lawyer?
To address your situation, here are some steps you can consider:
1. Consult an Attorney
It’s advisable to consult with a local attorney who specializes in contract law or fraud. They can help you understand the specifics of your case and guide you through the legal process. Hiring a lawyer is not mandatory, but it can significantly strengthen your case.
2. Gather Evidence
Collect all relevant documents, such as the signed tuition statement, any communications regarding the payments, and records of the unpaid amounts. This evidence will be crucial in building your case.
3. Consider Civil Action
You can file a civil lawsuit for breach of contract. This would involve seeking damages for the unpaid tuition and any additional losses incurred due to her actions.
4. Explore Criminal Charges
If you believe there was intentional deceit, you might consider reporting the matter to local law enforcement. They can investigate whether criminal charges, such as fraud, are applicable (Minnesota Statute § 609.52, Subd. 2(4)).
5. Mediation or Settlement
Before pursuing litigation, consider if a mediated settlement could resolve the issue. This can be a quicker and less costly option. This does not preclude pursuing criminal charges afterward.
It was from August 1, 2024, until April 9, 2025. She turned off her auto-pay and will not make payments.
Thanks for sharing that timeline. It seems like the issue has been ongoing for quite some time. Given her actions, it might be even more crucial to take legal steps to address this. A suit could be filed for the amount owed. I hope I was able to help with your situation!
