July 2, 2018 at 4:54 p.m.
Berrays plead not guilty in business theft case
Berrays plead not guilty in business theft case
By Abigail Bostwick-
Bennett "Ben" Berray, 51, and wife, Christina, 45, are each facing one count of felony theft of more than $10,000 in Vilas County Court. At their request, Oneida County Judge Patrick O'Melia presided over their dual arraignment Friday. Both defendants waived their right to preliminary hearing.
Lawyers Gary Cirilli and Steve Lucareli entered not guilty pleas on behalf of their clients, Christina and Ben, respectively.
Vilas County District Attorney Martha Milanowski requested Christina and Ben report to the Vilas County Jail after the hearing for booking.
"They have not done that yet, it hasn't occurred in either case," Milanowski told Judge O'Melia. "I want it part of the record that that will in fact occur today."
According to the criminal complaint, Ben Berray assisted Realtek Electronics Group, Inc. with the opening of a business account at a local bank. Christina Berray was added to the account as she was "doing the books." Some time later, the business owner was contacted regarding a debit/credit card in the name of the business left behind at the bank. The owner did not authorize such an account and was confused, the complaint states.
After learning more, the owner canceled the cards he was unsure of and asked the Berrays for access to payroll and income information.
Upon reviewing bank records, numerous unauthorized checks drawn on the account and debit card withdrawals were seen, including checks with the business owner's forged signature. Payments were made at restaurants, gas stations, retail stores, credit cards/banks, phone companies, insurance companies and grocery stores, the complaint notes. It also included more than $8,500 in cash withdrawals. Expenditures totaled more than $162,700 from 2016-17 with about 620 unapproved debit/credit withdrawals and purchases.
Pre-trial conferences for both Berrays are slated for September. If convicted, the couple faces more than 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $25,000.
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