Woman charged with $100,000 fraud

A 61-year-old Tokoroa woman has been charged after the small business she worked for was defrauded of nearly $100,000.

Police said the woman stole the money through internet banking and cheque fraud while working as the office manager for the south Waikato business from January 2007 to June 2008.

The theft had caused the victims to loose their business and their home, Constable Jason Lock of Tokoroa police said.

The woman faces 40 charges of accessing a computer system for dishonest purpose, and three of obtaining by deception.

However, Mr Lock said the investigation was ongoing and further charges were likely.

The woman was due to appear in Tokoroa District Court on April 20, where, it was understood, she would apply for name suppression due to her position in the community.

- NZPA