A Tucson woman was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison and seven years probation Friday for stealing more than $125,000 from her boss, a local optometrist.
John Hill hired Michelle Kim Burton as his office manager in June 2004, according to court documents. Between September 2005 and May 2007, prosecutors allege she made unauthorized credit card purchases and wrote unauthorized checks totaling $125,790 on Hill’s personal and business accounts.
In addition, Burton failed to pay Hill’s 2006 taxes, causing the IRS to penalize Hill $10,000. Moreover, she forged a prescription for hydrocodone in July 2007.
When confronted, Burton said she stole from Hill because her husband owed money to a drug dealer.
Burton pleaded guilty to theft by misrepresentation and illegally obtaining a narcotic drug in Pima County Superior Court.
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As a result of her plea agreement, she could have received up to 12.5 years in prison on the drug charge and up to 2.5 years on the theft charge.
Hill told Judge Richard Nichols that no matter what sentence Burton received, his life is ruined. She’ll get out of prison someday and he’ll still be trying to recover financially from her misdeeds, he said.
He can’t even take a day off because of her actions, Hill said.
“Every month I have to consider filing for bankruptcy,” Hill said. “I’m going to be stuck the rest of my life paying for it and it’s just not fair.”
A tearful Burton told the judge she just wants the chance to repay Hill. When reminded that now was the time for her to apologize, Burton turned to Hill and said, “I do apologize Dr. Hill. You were a great friend and a great mentor and I’m sorry.”
Nichols ordered Burton to pay $125,000 in restitution to the doctor and his insurance company.
Once released from prison, Burton must pay Hill back at a rate of $300 a month and his insurance company at the rate of $50 a month.
If she fails to meet those obligations, Burton could be sentenced to prison.
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