August 23, 2019 at 4:32 p.m.
Sayner woman charged with stealing $25K from Minocqua business
Sayner woman charged with stealing $25K from Minocqua business
Gina E. Ozelie made her initial court appearance Tuesday before Branch II judge Michael Bloom. She appeared via video from the Oneida County jail with attorney Gary Cirilli.
Bloom set a $10,000 signature bond in the case and scheduled a preliminary hearing for 1:45 p.m. Sept. 20.
According to the criminal complaint, a Minocqua police officer was dispatched to the Trig's corporate office on Monday, Aug. 19 to investigate a complaint of employee theft. The director of loss prevention advised that Ozelie was employed as the manager of the gas station and one of her duties was to put money in the ATM. According to the complaint, the director of loss prevention showed the officer a printout from the ATM detailing a number of losses. According to the printout, the first loss took place on July 7, 2018 in the amount of $220. The record showed a total of 56 losses, with the last taking place on July 27, 2019, according to the complaint.
The officer was also given a signed statement in which Ozelie allegedly admitted to the thefts.
According to the complaint, when the officer asked Ozelie if she knew why he was there, she responded "probably because I have been stealing money for the last year."
Ozelie told the officer that she used the income from her and her husband's paychecks to pay bills and the money she stole was used for everyday expenses like gas and food, the complaint states.
After being transported to the Minocqua police station, Ozelie reportedly told police she began stealing the money because she was having trouble paying bills and supporting her two children. She told the officer she had no idea how much money she took.
If convicted of the Class G felony, Ozelie faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of not more than $25,000.
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at [email protected].
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