Woman accused of embezzling from animal hospital

A Jefferson City woman is charged with stealing thousands of dollars while working at a local veterinary clinic.

Christina Sanchez, 37, is charged with one count of felony stealing.

Officers took a report of a theft from Southwest Animal Hospital on Jefferson Street in August, according to a Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statement.

Banking statements show Sanchez had issued herself checks later deposited without proper approval.

One check issued to Sanchez was marked "payroll" through the bank, but the financial program at the animal hospital had the check labeled as "bonus." Several discrepancies were found in bank statements and the business' financial program.

Authorities interviewed Sanchez in September, and she admitted she had issued a $2,000 check to herself as an "advancement" to pay bills. She also admitted she hadn't cleared the "advancement" with the business owners.

An independent audit from 2016-17 was completed on the business Oct. 26 and the findings showed $9,248 was missing from undocumented purchases and additional payroll checks Sanchez wrote to herself.