Former Cannons Marina bookkeeper charged with theft

A former Cannons Marina bookkeeper was arrested last week and charged with one count of grant theft of more than $100,000 and one count of scheming to defraud of more than $50,000.

Kristine McWilliams, 46, was arrested without incident April 23, at her Myakka City home.

McWilliams worked at Cannons for approximately 10 years and was responsible for keeping books and making deposits, according to a Manatee County probable cause affidavit.

In July 2013, Cannons owner David Miller discovered discrepancies in his daily deposits and found modified deposit slips and deposits with little or no cash, according to the police report.

Longboat Key police and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted a joint investigation that lasted approximately six months.

A forensic audit showed that between June 2012 and July 2013, more than 100 deposits were modified, and $109,506.16 was missing.

“She was basically diverting the cash portion of the bank deposits,” said Longboat Key Police Capt. Kristina Roberts. “She would leave with the cash, checks and charges, but the cash never made it.”

McWilliams was fired in July before Miller contacted police, according to Roberts, who said McWilliams declined to speak to authorities during the investigation.

Lucille Capo Miller, the marketing and public relations director for Cannons Marina, called the incident “very unfortunate.”

“Nobody wins here,” Miller said. “It’s a really sad situation.”

McWilliams has no previous criminal history, court records state. She has pleaded not guilty and was released from Manatee County jail on $40,000 bond.

As part of the supervised release conditions, McWilliams must submit to random urinalysis, not possess illegal drugs or medication without a current prescription and avoid contacting Cannons Marina. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 9.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected]