Church Point Woman Pleads Guilty To Theft

36 year old Michelle Dana Lavergne of Church Point pleaded guilty today (Monday) to stealing more than $197,000 from her employer over a five year period. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea Lavergne used her position at a Lafayette law firm to embezzle funds by writing checks to herself and another employee. Thefts occurred between April of 2008 and April of 2013 with checks of $350 to $5,500 being written.

Lavergne worked at the law firm for 13 years as a financial secretary and paralegal. Lavernge had access to the business checks due to her position. She obtained pre-signed checks to pay bills or forged signatures so she could deposit into her personal account.

Lavergne faces up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release and $250,000 fine for each count.