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July 6, 2017
Vehicle burglary suspect sought
July 6, 2017
A Houma woman is facing 164 counts of forgery after she allegedly stole more than $300,000 from a local business.
Terrebonne sheriff Jerry Larpenter said that in May, TPSO detectives were called to American Advance Technology on 226 Denley Road in Houma in reference to a complaint of theft.
Detectives investigated the case and learned that more than $300,000 was allegedly stolen from the business from 2009-17.
The suspect, Betsy Blanton, was allegedly responsible for paying bills for the company, which gave her access to the company’s finances.
Through investigation, detectives learned that Blanton allegedly used the company’s credit cards for her personal gain, which allegedly included paying bills and insurance – an amount which totaled $130,000.
In addition, Blanton allegedly forged multiple checks and cashed them for her own personal gain – an amount authorities said totaled $85,000 from one financial institution.
An inventory of the business account through another bank showed that approximately $135,000 was allegedly taken.
After receiving all of the official documents in the case, which supported the allegations against Blanton, authorities questioned the suspect.
During questioning, Blanton allegedly admitted to taking a large sum of money from the company to support a gambling habit, as well as paying personal bills.
The suspect allegedly disputes the amount of money taken, however.
After questioning, TPSO announced that it had arrested Betsy Lea Blanton, 43, of 319 Gouaux Avenue, Houma. She’s charged with theft by fraud over $25,000 and 164 counts of forgery.
Blanton is held on a $350,000 bond.
