School Employee Gets $2.6 Million Check Because Of Typo - She Goes On Spending Spree

[matcom]

<snip>

A single typo erroneously sent a $2.6 million state check to a Hopkins High School employee who is charged with four felonies for allegedly spending much of the money on luxury cars, a U.S. treasury bond and an individual retirement account.

When Sabrina Walker, 37, appeared in Hennepin County District Court on Wednesday, she did not enter a plea. A warrant was issued for her boyfriend, Charles Lockhart, who authorities said helped spend the money.

The check was intended for the Hennepin County Medical Center, one of 17 hospitals receiving payment at the time, said Tim Wilkin, assistant Human Services commissioner. A single digit was typed wrong in the vendor number, and the check went to Walker. The typing was proofread by another employee, but the error was not spotted, Wilkin said.

"There are safeguards, but obviously they weren't good enough," he said. "It probably has happened before, but probably not to the tune of $2.6 million."

Walker and Lockhart, both of Minneapolis, are each charged with four felony counts: theft by swindle, loss of property, failure to pay over state funds and concealing criminal proceeds over $5,000.

The assets have been frozen, but the pair is accused of spending much of the money.

http://www.startribune.com/crime/story/1214834.html

[LiberalFighter]

1. GUILTY Definitely not honest people