Keys Woman Accused Of Stealing $80K+ From Employer For Drugs

A Keys woman was arrested Monday after being accused of stealing more than $80,000 from her employer.

Authorities say 34-year-old Michelle Ludwig, of Marathon, wrote herself checks above her normal paychecks and used her boss's scanned electronic signature to forged the signing of them.

Credit: MCSO

Monroe County Sheriff's officials say Ludwig, who was a front office manager for Marathon Garbage Service, cashed 69 checks totaling $83,443.65 on a weekly basis since February.

The company's accountant says she had been asking Ludwig for company records for two months and finally received them July 17. After reviewing the records, the accountant noticed discrepancies and confronted Ludwig about them.

Ludwig admitted to stealing the money, allegedly telling the accountant that she had a drug addiction and was using the company's money to finance her habit.

Ludwig surrendered Monday after the owner pressed charges and an arrest warrant was issued. 

Ludwig faces 69 felony counts each of grand theft, forgery and fraud. 

Her bond was set at $207,000.


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