LA MARQUE, Texas — A former credit union employee accused of stealing more than $340,000 from member accounts has been placed on 10 years of deferred adjudication community supervision after pleading guilty to a felony theft charge, according to court records.
Jacqueline Marie Burns, 55, pleaded guilty to theft of property valued at $150,000 or more but less than $300,000. Judge Rebecca Millo of the 10th District Court deferred adjudication of guilt and placed Burns on community supervision rather than entering a conviction, according to the Daily News.
The case stems from an investigation by the La Marque Police Department, which alleged Burns stole more than $340,000 from 26 member accounts at Galveston Government Employees Credit Union between October 2018 and July 2020, the Daily News reported.
At the time of her arrest, Burns was charged with theft of property valued at $300,000 or more and was held on a $150,000 bond, police said.
Dormant Accounts Targeted
Burns was employed by the credit union and was responsible for maintaining member accounts and ensuring monthly statements were mailed, a police spokesperson told the Daily News when she was arrested. Investigators allege she used her position to identify dormant accounts or accounts that had not been accessed for extended periods. Many of the account-holders were seniors, and some accounts belonged to deceased members, police said.
Authorities also allege Burns altered or deleted mailing addresses linked to the accounts so accountholders would not receive statements showing unauthorized transactions, the Daily News reported.
$336K in Restitution Ordered
A Galveston County grand jury initially indicted Burns on allegations involving losses of $300,000 or more. A later indictment reduced the alleged loss to between $150,000 and $300,000, court records show.
Under the court’s order, Burns must pay $336,250 in restitution, along with court costs, reimbursement fees and a payment to Crime Stoppers. She also was ordered to complete 320 hours of community service and comply with supervision conditions, including remaining in Galveston County unless granted permission to travel, abstaining from alcohol, submitting to drug and alcohol testing, and maintaining employment, the Daily News said.
If Burns successfully completes the 10-year supervision period, the court could dismiss the case without a final conviction. If she violates the conditions, the court may proceed with adjudication of guilt and sentencing under state law, the report added.
