By: Richard L. Smith
According to a statement released by The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, Ms. Suzanne Conover, a 49-year-old resident of Brigantine, has been indicted on a second-degree charge of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition.
This indictment was handed down by an Atlantic County Grand Jury on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
The case stems from an extensive investigation into alleged embezzlement that took place over a six-year period.
The investigation was set into motion when an alert office assistant working at Giegerich Orthodontics, located in Galloway Township, noticed discrepancies in a patient's billing file.
Upon discovering the irregularities, the head of the orthodontic practice promptly contacted law enforcement authorities, triggering a thorough criminal investigation.
The ensuing probe, led by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Financial Crime Unit, unveiled a troubling pattern of financial misconduct.
Officials said Conover, who had served as the office manager at Giegerich Orthodontics for approximately a decade, was found to be at the center of the alleged embezzlement scheme.
It was determined that Conover had been intercepting cash payments made by patients and diverting the funds for her personal use.
This illicit activity continued for a staggering six-year period, during which Conover skillfully concealed her actions.
Her modus operandi involved accepting cash payments from patients while recording fictitious credit card or check payments in the practice's ledger.
Subsequently, Conover would discreetly deposit the stolen cash into her personal bank account, primarily utilizing a local ATM during her workday.
The financial implications of Conover's actions were substantial, with an estimated total theft amounting to a staggering $109,000 over the course of her tenure at the orthodontic practice.
The indictment handed down by the Atlantic County Grand Jury underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Ms. Suzanne Conover.
If convicted of second-degree Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition, Conover could face severe legal consequences.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough internal financial controls within businesses and organizations, as well as the vigilance of employees in identifying irregularities.
The swift response of the orthodontic practice's staff and the diligent investigative work by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Financial Crime Unit are pivotal in uncovering and addressing financial misconduct.
As the legal proceedings against Ms. Suzanne Conover progress, local authorities remain committed to ensuring justice is served and that the financial integrity of local businesses is upheld.