Probation, Not Prison for Bryan Woman Convicted of Stealing from Non-Profit
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Probation, Not Prison for Bryan Woman Convicted of Stealing from Non-Profit Save Email Print
Posted: 11:26 AM Jan 5, 2009
 Last Updated: 6:38 PM Jan 5, 2009
 Reporter: Kristen Ross
Email Address: ross@kbtx.com
70 comments
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A Bryan woman convicted of stealing thousands from a non-profit organization that helps disabled community members, is out of jail Monday night after serving just 30 days behind bars.

Leslie Ann Riley was sentenced to 10 years in prison back in December, but Monday Judge J.D. Langley ruled that the rest of the sentence would be probated.

For 30 days, an orange jumpsuit, handcuffs, and periodic meetings with her attorney have become the norm for convicted felon Leslie Ann Riley.

"She was never in trouble before this, and she got in a bind and it's one of those deals where she took a little money, and along the way she would pay money back," Riley's Attorney Craig Graves said.

Now Riley will have no choice but to pay the money back.

Monday morning, the judge ruled that after spending a month behind bars the rest of her 10 year sentence would be probated, with a signed promise that Riley will pay back everything she took from Junction Five-O-Five.

"This has been going on several years, several board directors wanted more jail time, others who have known Ms. Riley for a lengthy amount of time wanted her to be punished but weren't necessarily looking for an extended jail time," Junction Five-O-Five Board Member Heath Poole said.

Board Member Heath Poole says the more than $150,000 Riley took from the non-profit, put the organization in a huge financial bind forcing them to take out multiple loans.

"It had a drastic impact cause at the time the organization thought we were operating with no money, and so it got to the point where we didn't have the ability to pay bills, overhead salaries, those types of things were in jeopardy," Poole said.

Since that time, Poole says Junction Five-O-Five is back on the right path. It's paid off its loans, and gotten out a financial hole.

Meanwhile Riley's gotten out of jail.

"I think Ms. Riley is going to have a conviction on her record that's substantial, that's going to follow her forever, she does have a financial obligation to Junction," Poole said.

Attorney's for Junction Five-O-Five say if Riley doesn't pay back the money over the next 20 years as the promissory note she signed Monday states, they will still have the option to seek further legal action to have her probation revoked, and have her sent back to prison.

Currently attorney's say Riley still owes $151,000 to Junction Five-O-Five. She's already paid back $8,000.

Riley will also have to make extra financial disclosures available as part of her probation.
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Posted by: Mandy Location: CS on Jan 9, 2009 at 07:54 AM
The 75 dollars a month is coart costs only. This woman should have served her time.
Posted by: puzzled on Jan 8, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Why does her online record say she is only paying $75 a month?????? http://justiceweb.co.brazos.tx.us/judicialsearch/Scripts/UVlink.isa/bodreaux/WEBSERV/CriminalSearch?action%253Dview%26track%253D349056
Posted by: Puzzled on Jan 7, 2009 at 05:11 PM
I know of someone that stole a large amount of money from an employer and she got a year in prison. Wierd that this lady stole from a non-profit org. and didn't get #%#@.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:50 PM
I know Riley personaly and she did not use drugs but she did have a shopping habit.
Posted by: outraged Location: college station on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:45 PM
I think she should have gotten more jail time. This woman was stealing from disabled people. Marital problems is not an excuse for stealing. Ever. I have had financial trouble also, but what kind of example would I have set for my children if I was to steal. I feel like there are other avenues for help that could have been sought besides stealing. The decision tells me that you can steal a bunch of money, then get a little slap on the wrist.
Posted by: CWconcerned Location: College Station on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Ms. Riley got to live a faux life, until the past caught up with her. When Ms. Riley was hired, she had not been officially charged. Therefore, this would not have shown up on a background check, which was not done routinely at TAMU at that time. Her supervisor was informed of the charges, but termination at TAMU is not based on prior events. When you are eventually convicted there are still many approvals that have to be acquired before termination of employment can be made possible. This was done as soon as possible when she was actually sentenced. Ms. Riley did not deal with any fiduciary responsibilities and additional responsibilities were kept at bay once the indictment was revealed. The prior actions of Ms. Riley does not reflect the abilities of her co-workers, just as it does not mean that her children will grow up to be terrible people. She was responsible for her own dishonesty and exploits and those associated with her should not be judged by her actions.
Posted by: I am a citizen Location: Crime-ridden Bryan on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:51 PM
I agree with my fellow citizen ... Let's ALL file complaints! State Commission on Judicial Conduct (http://www.scjc.state.tx.us) P. O. Box 12265, Austin, TX 78711. Telephone: (512) 463-5533, Toll Free: (877) 228-5750, Fax: (512) 463-0511, TDD: (800)-RELAY-TX. If we're not able to look into the real REASONS for Judge Langley's strange ruling, then let the powers that be do it! FILE TODAY, "Citizen" is so right!
Posted by: Rebekah Luza on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Dear Shocked, I worked with Leslie at A&M, she has NEVER had any dealings with the accounting in our dept. We have a lot of safety measures in place and so does the university to keep something like this from happening. Please keep your comments to yourself and don’t judge others by someone else’s actions! We were not aware of what she had done prior to her working at TAMU. As soon as she was convicted she was terminated! As I have stated she had NO dealings with monies within our dept and I have not problems with being audited, I’ve been through an audit and I had not problems! I am an honest person and do not appreciate being judged because of someone that we thought was a good person turned out to be a manipulating, lying thief!
Posted by: shocked Location: cs on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:25 PM
Seems there's alot more going on with Ms. Riley. Divorce scam? I knew she was married a second time and had two small boys and a teenager. 12 years is a long time to steal and both her nad her husband had jobs so I really don't feel sorry for her as she took the easy way out. Get a second job, tell the husband to get another job. Put you teenager to work, but steal. No, that is soooo wrong on so many differnt levels. kbtx you need to be better reporters. There's more to this than meets the eye.
Posted by: Karen Location: BCS on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:53 PM
VOTE LANGLEY...............OUT!!
Posted by: shocked Location: cs on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:29 PM
I was rather surprised that kbtx didn't do more research on Ms. Riley, as Ms Riley has been employed for a number of years by Texas A&M. Under the new rules, an employee who is arrested etc. has to report it to their supervisor, so she is no longer with A&M being convicted in all, but what is really interesting is she won an outstanding employee award along with three other individuals who worked with her. She didn't have access to any monies but her two co-workers did. Makes you wonder if that dept. is in need of an audit.
Posted by: Woodyt Location: College Station on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:13 PM
Anonymous Location: BCS on Jan 6, 2009??? Hello, you know what is right and what is not???? I do and your friend IS TOTALLY WRONG FOR STEALING FROM THE DISABLED AND GETTING SUCH LENIENT SENTENCE.WHAT KIND OF EXAMPLE IS THE JUDGE GIVING? I HOPE SHE DOES LIVE WITH THIS THE REST OF HER LIFE AND I HOPE SHE TRIPS ON HER PAYMENTS SO SHE CAN GO BACK TO JAIL.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:40 PM
"What I don't understand is why these organizations don't have things in place to PREVENT this!!" As with Romei, leslie was the one who was SUPPOSED to be checking on thefts. And, like Romei, she was caught when a much less frequent "watch on the the watchmen" was finally made. Luckily, the rapid increase in computer power has finally made it possible to DO these checks without bankrupting the organizations (which is what tripped the alarms at the Animal Shelter)...
Posted by: Budro Location: Smetana on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I see that my previous comment that simply pointed out the fact she is a white female did not get posted. KBTX, please stop turning a blind eye to blatant prejudice in our local courts. 30 days jail time and a 20 year loan is a JOKE! The judge deserves to be behind bars.
Posted by: Katrina C Location: Wellborn on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:33 PM
I'm glad that she'll have to pay back the money that she stole, but probation after only a month in jail?! I don't care if she was in a bind and it was her first time of stealing or not, STEALING IS STEALING. 20 years is a long time to have to pay back money that it sure didn't take her that long to steal. This lady should have to pay an interest rate on the money that she owes Junction five-0-five. It's sick what people are getting away with these days. And as someone said, this is teaching our kids that they can commit a crime and only get a little jail time and then just probation. Sad sad sad.
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Okay, I know this is a stretch, but try to follow...This woman took at least $150,000. What did she do with it? Did she buy a house? She sure could have. In 20 years, lets say that the market gets better and property values go up. Lets say she sells this house and makes a profit. Will the charity get all the money, or does she still get to pocket even more money? I sure hope they charge her a whole lot of interest, but this still makes me mad. I used to have faith in the justice system, but this makes me question a whole lot things...values for one.
Posted by: Beth Location: Bryan on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:59 AM
I agree, the sentence was not fair and she deserved prison time. But -- Langley made this decision so that Junction 505 could hopefully get some of their money back. What I don't understand is why these organizations don't have things in place to PREVENT this!! Just like the animal shelter who was recently stolen from. These organizations should be pro-active, not re-active when it comes to this. Have measures in place to prevent this!!
Posted by: response to "woody" Location: bryan,tx on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:57 AM
those are my thoughts exactly. if that was me (a black woman) i'd be under the jail, with someone throwing dirt over the hole. this sentence is pitiful. stealing from the disabled? and given 20years to pay it back? the judge must not have had his coffee that morning.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: BCS on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:59 AM
You all need to grow up and mind your own business. She will have to live with this for the rest of her live and have to put up with not finding a decent job. Who cares how long she got. Just take care of yourself and quite worrying about other peoples business!!! Apparantly, you all think you need to steal if you think it is right in your heart whether you have to go to jail or not. Hello, you know what is right and what is not.
Posted by: you are uninformed Location: Texas on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Jan from Macedonia - you, unfortunately, don't know much about how probation works. As someone who works with probationers, I can tell you that Miss Riley will have to do A LOT more than one misstep. We can't send people back to jail just because they fail to pay. They have to continue to mess up in other ways. And even then, a judge is likely to continue the probated sentence, rather than crowd the jails. What will likely happen in this case is that Miss Riley will fail to make her payments, J505 will not receive their money back, and Miss Riley will continue on as if nothing happened. I think in addition to her probation, she should have received a 1000 hours of community service - labor intensive. Let her 'pay back' through her sweat and tears. That IS something we can collect on!
Posted by: totally unreal Location: bryan on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Wow! What does this say to our society and our children we are trying to raise? Its getting to where you kill someone and its a slap on the wrist. Yes, this person may have needed money, but there are ways to get help than to steal from a charity. Goodness. No one is perfect, but this is pretty low. She has ruined her life, but the judge has also set an example to us all as well! If you do for one, you need to do it to all! Gosh!
Posted by: bryanmom Location: bryan on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:52 AM
I applaud Mr. Benn and Isham for not only helping to bring this thief to justice (or, in this case, miscarriage of justice)and will be calling the judge's office as well as filing a complaint with the State. This slap-on-the-wrist for stealing has got to stop or no one in their right mind will be donating to these very necessary causes; after all, who wants to know their donations will just be diverted instead of doing somthing that would actually benefit others? As for the "a little money" comment....good God, how far up where the sun don't shine must someone's head be to make such a asenine statement? As for keeping things in perspective, how much time does Langley give out to someone who writes a hot check...for a lot less money? Are they given 20 years' interest-free to pay them off?
Posted by: Carol Location: Bryan on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:48 AM
I think it is ridiculous that Ms. Riley only got 30 days jail. It's like rewarding her for stealing, such a light sentence. I think she should get more jail time.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:13 AM
Thank you for posting your efforts Mr. Benn and the others is support of Junction. I think in this field (charitable organizations) there will always be predators; just like anywhere else -- they look for a weak spot and exploit it. I do think that Riley should have gotten some additional jail time, however, and am curious to know what the $$ cutoff is for jail time vs shock probation and regular probation.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:56 AM
So let me get this straight: All you "LYNCH THE WITCH!" folks want to be ABSOLUTELY 1000% SURE AND CERTAIN the J505 never sees a PENNY of the stolen money back AND that we the taxpayers spend ANOTHER $150,000 paying for her room, board, medical care, etc over the next 10 years????
Posted by: DB Location: Bryan on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:24 AM
Call or write the judge and let him know just what you think: 85th District Court Judge J.D. Langley 300 E. 26th St., Suite 225 Bryan, Texas 77803 Tel: (979) 361-4270 Fax: (979) 361-4276
Posted by: B/CS CITIZEN(S) Location: Bryan/College Station on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:27 AM
Sick of this from J.D.Langley? File a complaint: State Commission on Judicial Conduct (http://www.scjc.state.tx.us) P. O. Box 12265, Austin, TX 78711. Telephone: (512) 463-5533, Toll Free: (877) 228-5750, Fax: (512) 463-0511, TDD: (800)-RELAY-TX. SPEAK UP/OUT! VOICE your opinion, B/CS. REMOVE “JUDGE” J.D. LANGLEY, NOW. If we ALL speak, perhaps they (and he) will listen? Enough is enough, and we deserve far better from those we trusted to protect us with the law. Also, consider calling his office direct and voicing your concern over his recent actions: 85th District Court Judge J.D. Langley 300 E. 6th St., Suite 225 Bryan, Texas 77803 Tel: (979) 361-4270 Fax: (979) 361-4276 He must see the error of his ways, right? We deserve far better for BCS and Brazos County. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Start a WEBSITE!! This irresponsible "JUDGE" must GO!
Posted by: Kathy Location: College Station on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:13 AM
Two people have both been given a slap on the wrist, Romei and Riley. Both of these people were convicted and both are out of jail. These non-profits are both still without their money. Does that make since? So, we have three more embezzlement cases coming up soon. Connie Cadenhead for stealing from Voices For Children, Danette Anselmo from Pro Star and Amy Harmon from Pyro Grill. This is not Connie's first time at this rodeo, Amy confessed to stealing Pyro's money for drugs and Danette got caught red handed. I wonder what is going to happen to these three ladies...Wait, females, they are far from a lady. If they get probation and a little slap on the wrist, we need to remember that on our next election. What's the point of being an honest worker if you can steal for free? WAKE UP BRAZOS COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS, WE ARE WATCHING AND REMEMBERING.
Posted by: Ken Location: College Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:45 PM
I feel a need of protest! Who is with me!
Posted by: Metrisa Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Bottom line of all this is that the people who benefit from Junction 505 were the one's hurt. It would be better served to have Ms. Riley do more supervised volunteer work to give back to those from who she stole than to put her behind bars. As far as Josh Benn and the board members, it has been my experience that they have given their time to J505 with integrity and have always looked after the best interest of the community of people in which is serves. For all the posts that want to bash their efforts or role in discovering and reporting this situation, perhaps you can take that negetivity and turn it positive and give of your own time to these great people. I have, and have loved it.
Posted by: Larry Isham Location: College Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Some of you are simply misinformed. Josh Benn is the "Hero" in this case. Had he not discovered Ms. Riley's IRS tax lien on J505, she may have gone on for years skimming from J505. It is Mr Benn that insisted that Ms. Riley be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. There was no "conspiring" with the DAs office to hide ANYTHING. WOW! Hard to believe that someone could be further from the truth. As for those "measures taken" I would be glad to share what changes took place afterwards as I became the Treasurer of the Board upon this criminal discovery. The point that needs to be made here is that we as "concerned citizens" need to take a more active role in helping these organizations, such as J505, to better manage themselves. We should all give some of ourselves to be sure these type of crimes are eliminated. If this type of actitivity upsets you then take up a cause and make a difference. Otherwise, just complaining does nothing to solve the problem.
Posted by: Connie Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:50 PM
Why did P.David Romei get a tougher sentence and this woman got a slap on the wrist ? Double-standards I think.
Posted by: CS resident Location: CS on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:49 PM
I understand that TAMU let her go! I'm sorry for the people how stood by her for years and were hurt by her lies! She is a low-life thief! I say that they should have keep her in jail and thrown away the key! She will NEVER pay back this money! I know that it would be best for her to get out and work to pay it back, but she will never be able to earn enough money to pay back Junction!
Posted by: concerned Location: Brazos County on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Ms. Riley is no longer employed at TAMU!
Posted by: ME Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Convicted Felons get jobs every day. If they are on probation, they are supposed to have a job. The restituition laws need to be changed. She should pay back everything with interest. People who carry out crimes like this only care about themselves. This is not an isolated ooops. This is a planned act and deception.
Posted by: Lanny Location: college Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:33 PM
This is without a doubt the biggest mis-carriage of justice, short of murder, I have ever seen from a judge anywhere. Let judge Langley pay the money back. Twenty years or she may face more legal action. This is laughable. She should pay the money back in five years or automatically face the full ten years behind bars. What has she got on the judge?
Posted by: Jerome Location: BCS on Jan 5, 2009 at 07:00 PM
85th District Court Judge J.D. Langley 300 E. 6th St., Suite 225 Bryan, Texas 77803 Tel: (979) 361-4270 Fax: (979) 361-4276
Posted by: j Location: cs on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:33 PM
Are you flipping kidding me? Who cares if she had a clean record before this? I'm so sick to tears of hearing about people STEALING, whether it be from other people's homes or non-profit organizations. What are they going to get away with next? NO MORE SLACK for these CRIMINALS!
Posted by: I'm ill Location: ny on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:23 PM
People who work for non-profit don't earn much money,but they do it because they are committed to the cause,whatever it may be. It makes me sick to see someone take advantage of others,and therefor making it even harder for non-profits to do the good they do.Leslie Ann Riley,if you needed "a little more" money maybe you should work "a little more"...a second job???
Posted by: Josh Benn Location: College Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:57 PM
As for the concerns addressed by the poster below, I understand your frustration. I was the one who filed the police report concerning this matter after another board member and I spent hours reviewing the books. Unfortunately, she had been doing this for years and was obviously quite good at it. We had begun previously and continued to implement accounting AND management procedures to prevent this from happening. Its just a shame it wasn't done sooner. Although I'm no longer on the board, I'm sure any of the current board members or the executive director would be happy to discuss the changed procedures with you. Just give them a call. You might also want to ask about this "daycare". When I was on the board, a few of the employees (who are paid not much over minimum wage by the way) hired a college student to babysit their kids. It wasn't an organization expense.
Posted by: Joshua Benn Location: College Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:41 PM
This is Josh Benn. Although I am no longer on the Board of Directors for J505, I am very discouraged by her sentence. I was on the board from 2005-2007 when we discovered that Ms. Riley was embezzling. The board at that time was very vehement that she be prosecuted fully for what she had been doing. The problem at Junction was fourfold: First, she had two seperate sets of books. Second, needed audits were not done, ironically, because of a lack of available funds. Third, she had way too much control over bills, the mail, etc. Four, Junction was and is governed by an all-volunteer board and was staffed by people with no business sense. They were and are people who believe in the mission of Junction, but don't have experience in running a business. They desperately need business people who are WILLING to PUT IN THE TIME to properly do their jobs as board members. As we have seen in the news, this is a problem with far too many non-profits.
Posted by: Informed on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:39 PM
enough with the bashing of Josh - he wasn't on the board when this was going on - he came on and quickly discovered the problem that the PRIOR board had let happen under their noses. He's one of the reasons she was caught. Don't speak about things of which you are not informed.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:38 PM
As a business owner, I can't understand how someone can get away with writing themselves multiply paychecks each month for TEN YEARS?
Posted by: What's the purpose of jail Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:15 PM
Langley, can I work at the courthouse in Brazos County, steal thousands of dollars and serve 30 days? What type of job will she get if she can get a job, that will allow her to live and pay normal bills, much less payback $150K. Did you ask her to purchase a life insurance policy just incase she -----
Posted by: gary Location: c.s. on Jan 5, 2009 at 04:40 PM
i got 30 days in the hole for unpaid traffic tickets...about 200 dollars worth.
Posted by: j.b. Location: bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 04:01 PM
well what did you expect from good ol' j.d. langley? he is, has, and always will be soft and partial to females...just ask someone who has ever gotten divorced in his court...i've heard horror stories about his court, but the fine citizens of brazos county keep putting him back in office. i just have one question for the good judge: did it take her 20 years to steal all of this money???
Posted by: jan Location: macedonia on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:35 PM
judge Langley is not known as a liberal or a wimp. This is the correct call. Being a felon in Texas is huge. One wrong step and Ms. Riley will be in prison. Good luck finding another job with felon attached to your name.
Posted by: Joe Location: CS on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:26 PM
$150,000 people! $150,000!!!!! I would go to JAIL FOR 30 DAYS TO GET THAT! Where can I apply??? THE JUDGE IS SENDING OUT A MESSAGE THAT ITS OK TO TAKE A LITTLE MONEY. These white folks are becoming real sneeky dont ya say?
Posted by: DLR Location: College Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Your likely to get more time for stealing a television. No wonder people are robbing our local non-profits... IT PAYS! Why try to get a loan when you can just steal one? In a time where finances are tight for many, why would anyone donate money only to have it stolen?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:40 PM
I agree. Not enough.
Posted by: Kendra Location: BCS on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:38 PM
This sentence is simply not enough of a deterrent. Shame on you judge!
Posted by: she what? Location: cs on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:33 PM
She took a little money?? Give me a break. A little money is a couple hundred, and thats still not cool but my gosh! Economy like it is and its OK for you to steal "a little money" Come on Judges. I wonder if the lawyers worked for a 'little money' ?
Posted by: Concerned citizen on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:28 PM
How will this woman pay back monies that she stole from disabled citizens. She is a felon who nobody should hire. I know that TAMU should look into her employment with them for any wrong doing. I heard they had some discrepancies in her work. I also think her ex-husband should be a part of this. In my opion he also stole from the community with their divorce scam.
Posted by: Just wait Location: BCS on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Now as a covicted felon, she has to find a job that will support her AND pay the probation fees AND pay the restitution. Do you think she will be out for long? I certainly would not hire a convicted felon as my bookkeeper. And that is what she has experience doing as a living. Just wait... (It will only cost tax payers more to put her back in jail but that is how this game is played.)
Posted by: Janie Location: Brenham on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:38 PM
VERY SAD! What this is saying to anyone who has or is considering pocketing funds, is that you can take a great deal of money. Chances are you will get a slap on the wrist and move on with your life. Ask yourself this question. If someone took money from me, would I feel at ease with them just getting a few days in jail with probation? If you noticed, there has been many embezzlement cases these last few months. I hope the DA's office is starting a new division just for this cause. It is going to increase since the punishment is small. Guard your checking accounts people!
Posted by: Melissa Location: College Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Wow...so...does this mean that since I'm in a financial bind right now I can steal some money from my employer with no sincere intentions of paying it back? I've never been in trouble with the law before...so it's OK for me to do this...right? That is what Brazos County has just spelled out for us. This is ridiculous.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:18 PM
"Where she took a LITTLE MONEY"....$150k, no biggie!
Posted by: Tim on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:09 PM
Congratulations Leslie Ann Riley you got away with it!! Keep your head high you are role model for future thieves. Question : Is stealing worth the risk ? Answer : It is if you live in Brazos County.
Posted by: Woody Location: College Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Another prime example to all you thieves. Go ahead and rob more and more. The judge is on your side. If you are of a ethnic race do not attempt unless you want to remain in jail for along long time.
Posted by: Fed Up Location: College Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:03 PM
A member of the board of Junction, Josh Benn has represented Junction’s position. He has made statements to the media that glossed over details of this case! First, as a non-profit, Junction is required to do a certain level of audit annually, these audits were never done according to several junction employees, which allowed Leslie to rob them blind in the first place. Mr. Benn told KBTX that measures have been taken to ensure that this can’t happen again. I would like KBTX to ask Mr. Benn specifically what measures have been taken?? If these measures are those required by the State in order for Junction to receive tax dollars, why were they not taken before Leslie walked out with $180,000. The public has a right to know if this crime could have been prevented by something as easy as the required audits being preformed. I would also like for KBTX to ask Mr. Benn if he is aware of any illegal or unethical activities by any other employees of Junction that have not been made public??
Posted by: Justice Location: Not Here on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Josh Benn, a member of the board of directors of Junction 505 and the Assistant District Attorney John Brick seem to be conspiring to conceal much of the unlawful activity that’s happened at Junction. Hey guys, I think there’s an opening for a new Governor for the State of Illinois, you guys would be perfect! Maybe you could have a dual governorship, imagine the possibilities!!! But be careful, they actually have an ethical prosecutor up there that you’ll have to watch out for. He’s a no-nonsense kind of guy that wouldn’t have much tolerance for the two of you conspiring to allow criminal behavior to go unpunished. Especially, when the victims of these crimes are the local taxpayers and people with disabilities. Good luck in Chicago!
Posted by: Alamo Location: Somerville on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Is Junction 505 hiring? I could use an extra paycheck or two a mouth. I’m also not really a morning person. I really like the “show up whenever” policy. I’m a pretty caring person. I’ll fit right in. But wait, free child care too!!! Oh, this is too good.
Posted by: Angel Location: heaven on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Hey Henrietta, Junction 505 must really be raking in the cash for someone to walk out with $1,500 per month unnoticed for 10 years. Don't tell me that Junction is also offering free child care with our taxpayer dollars???? Will this nightmare ever end? What percentage of our tax payer money is actually going to help people with disabilities??? Are Junction's accounting books open to the public record??? If so, I'd like a copy, should make for some pretty interesting reading.
Posted by: What? Location: CS on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Took "a little money" ? Enough said!
Posted by: D.O.G. Location: Watson on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I've always been very disturbed about the unauthorized daycare at Junction 505. First, there were so many children confined in the back of that building, it was a mad house. Nobody seemed to care that Junction didn't have a license to run a daycare. There were never any background checks on the people that watched the children. The building didn't conform to the standards that are required by the State to operate a daycare; thankfully there was never a fire. How do the directors of Junction justify allowing tax payer dollars funding a day care so that they could offer their friends "reduced" child care? I don't think the supporters of Junction were told that their contributions were going to help provide cheap daycare for the Junction employees and their friends. Oh, by the way, at the very least somebody should have been charged with misappropriation of government funds. What does Junction intend to do with the money that Ms. Riley pays back, open a spa in the back?
Posted by: John Location: College Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:48 PM
"Riley also had to sign a promissory note saying she would repay all the money she stole from the organization, which serves people with disabilities, over the next 20 years. " I hope that there's interest and a hefty fine as well...and automatically back to jail if (or more probably WHEN) she defaults.
Posted by: Debbie Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:37 PM
That's insane.
Posted by: Denny Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Took a little money? No wonder crime is so profitable around here. Where do they find these judges and jurors?
Posted by: citizen Location: b/cs on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:51 AM
As crazy as it sounds, I think the ruling is fair. If indeed she is otherwise a law-abiding citizen, then the 30 days was most likely a huge shock to her world. If she's learned from this, then the probabtion should be no problem, and paying back restitution in cash and/or community service should be required. If she has other problems (i.e. drugs) as others have claimed, then that will eventually catch up with her during this probabtion time, and she will end up getting more punishment. Good luck to you, Ms. Riley. Take advantage of your second chance and do what you can to right the wrongs you have done.
Posted by: WHAT???? on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Not enough.....
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