Two philanthropists from Melbourne, Australia, had $1.7 million swindled out of them by their long time accountant, who needed the money to fund her escalating gambling addiction.
Gordon Darling, the former National Gallery of Australia chairman and his spouse Marilyn, who was the head of the National Portrait Gallry, started employing their accountant, Sally Grossi, in 1998. Not long after that, Grossi began stealing cheques from the couple. Grossi was finally fired, only due to many phone calls she made during work hours, but she had already managed to steal 107 cheques totaling $1,686, 761.
Grossi's attorney, Con Heliotis, said his client's workplace made it convenient for her to visit the nearby Crown Casino. According to Heliotis, Grossi ended up visiting the gambling venue every day, including Christmas Day, to escape a failing marriage and various health problems. The 39-year-old Grossi, suffers from Crohn's disease and also has suicidal tendencies.
Grossi also manipulated the mortgage on her home to the value of $200,000 to spend on her gambling addiction, which also generated large credit card debts.
Even though her only asset is a car a compensation for the repayment of $800,000 was made. Judge Framk Dyett extended Grossi's bail until sentencing on December 6.
Against the wishes of the prosecution, Judge Frank Dyett extended Grossi's bail until sentencing on December 6.
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