Police say CalsonicKansei worker admits embezzlement

An employee of CalsonicKansei North America's business office allegedly embezzled more than $60,000 during a period of at least two years, Shelbyville police said Thursday.

Yolanda Danette Johnson, 44, of Lewisburg, admitted to altering company checks and making them payable to herself, Detective Brian Crews said.  The total amount allegedly embezzled is still uncertain, but Crews says it is at least $60,000.

Johnson was charged Monday with theft of property over $60,000, Crews said, and was fired by Calsonic. She is free on $100,000 bond, Bedford County Jail records show.

"Members of Calsonic Human Resources contacted me and Lt. Mathis and reported suspicious activity on one of their accounts," Crews said. "They requested that we conduct an investigation into possible embezzlement by Yolanda Johnson. Johnson worked in the accounts payable department and had access to outgoing checks to businesses that did work for CalsonicKansei.

"During the course of her employment with Calsonic it was discovered that Johnson fabricated invoices and altered checks, making them payable to herself, and then deposited the proceeds into her personal checking accounts. After preliminary investigation, it is believed that Johnson acted alone and was the only one who benefited in the proceeds."

The embezzlement began at least as far back as March 2006, Crews said, and is suspected to have begun earlier.

"She admitted to altering the invoices and checks and depositing the money into her accounts at First Farmers (First Farmers and Merchants Bank of Lewisburg) and Heritage South Community Credit Union. She described how she was able to commit the offenses."

Detective Sgt. Jason Williams was also involved in the investigation, Crews said.