Brevard Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Task Force Arrest Mother and Son on Embezzlement Charges
By Space Coast Daily // September 19, 2019
BCSO: Agents were able to determine that Catherine Lucas and Brian Lucas embezzled over $300,000
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Economic Crimes Task Force has culminated an investigation into the allegations of embezzlement of funds with the arrest of a former bookkeeper and her son.
Agents arrested 50-year-old, Catherine Lucas and her son 29-year-old, Brian Lucas of Palm Bay. Catherine Lucas was charged with Scheme to Defraud, Criminal Use of Personal ID Info over $50,000 and Grand Theft over $100,000.
She was transported to the Brevard County Jail where she is being held on a bond of $160,000.
Brian Lucas was charged with Scheme to Defraud and Grand Theft over $100,000. He was transported to the Brevard County Jail where he is being held on a bond of $20,000.
“The investigation was initiated in August of 2018 when agents from the Economic Crimes Task Force met with the owner of Youtzy Sitework Incorporated,” said Brevard County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tod Goodyear.
“The victim advised that he had recently discovered that his long-time bookkeeper, Catherine Lucas, had stolen cash, services and property from the business in an amount exceeding $200,000.”
The victim advised that Catherine Lucas was responsible for all accounts receivable as well as payroll for the business.
Upon becoming suspicious of Catherine Lucas’ actions, an audit was conducted that uncovered irregularities and concerning transactions, at which time the victim contacted the Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Task Force and a criminal investigation was initiated.
“The investigation has determined that over a two year period, Catherine Lucas used company monies to purchase a dump truck and a substantial amount of lawn equipment to enable her son to open his own business,” said Goodyear.
“Catherine Lucas wrote duplicate paychecks to her son Brian Lucas as well as other family members without the knowledge of the victim.”
Goodyear said Catherine Lucas also used business checks to pay for services and repairs to personal vehicles and made multiple unauthorized ATM transactions on the business account.
Agents were able to determine that the total loss was over $300,000.
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