Catherine Betts, the Clallam County Treasurer’s Office employee being investigated for embezzling an estimated $617,467, was charged with one count of first-degree theft on Tuesday in Clallam County Superior Court.

She scheduled for arraignment on April 23. First-degree theft is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

The charging documents filed by Assistant State Attorney General Scott Marlow allege Betts stole real estate excise tax revenue and other funds totalling at least $617,467 while working as a cashier in the treasurer’s office between June 1, 2003 and May 30, 2009.

The documents state the crime was a major economic offense or series of offenses for four reasons:
1) It was a loss “substantially greater than typical.”
2) It involved a “high degree of sophistication.”
3) It occurred over a lengthy period of time.
4) She used a position of trust, confidence and fudiciary responsibility to commit the crime.