FREEHOLD – An Ocean County woman admitted Monday she stole over $1 million from her employer.   The defendant, who worked as a bookkeeper for an environmental consulting firm, stole the funds over the course of 5 years, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Virginia DeBerri, 52, of Duchess Lane in Brick Township, admitted she wrote over 500 company checks payable to cash between 2010 and 2015 and then deposited the money into her personal bank account. DeBerri also admitted she increased her salary at the Millstone Township-based firm, Foresight Enviroprobe, Inc., without authorization.

DeBerri pleaded guilty to one count of second degree Theft by Unlawful Taking and acknowledged her theft totaled more $1 million.  The plea was entered before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Richard W. English.

As part of her plea agreement with this Office, there will be a recommendation for a sentence of seven years in a New Jersey state prison. DeBerri is scheduled for sentencing on May 5, 2017.

The plea was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey State Police.

The case is being handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelson.

DeBerri is represented by Michael Nolan, Esq., of Toms River.

#  #  #