Judge to Galion woman: Pay $59,000 restitution to company

BUCYRUS - A woman who stole slightly more than $59,000 from her employer has been ordered to pay it all back.

Karen S. Brandenburg, 50, of Galion, told Crawford County Common Pleas Judge Sean Leuthold last week that she was guilty of one count of fourth-degree felony theft.

"She never denied to the police that she had done this," said Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall.

Brandenburg was the head of payroll at A&G Manufacturing in Galion when the theft took place, Crall said. In a span of almost five years, the woman gave herself unauthorized bonuses, cashed in vacation time she didn't earn, and kept loose cash that was paid to the company, he said.

The combination of all of those actions added up, Crall said. "The company was wondering why they weren't making more money."

Brandenburg's crime spree continued for so long because she oversaw the company's money.

"She was the only person who saw her pay stubs since she was in charge of payroll," Crall said.

Company managers told law enforcement about their concerns in December. In January, Brandenburg was indicted by a Crawford County grand jury. The investigation was completed by detectives with the Crawford County Sheriff's Office since the company is just outside of Galion city limits.

The woman must pay $59,055.18 in restitution. She must also complete five years of community control. However, that could change. Should Brandenburg fail to comply with her probation officer, she could face up to 18 months in prison. One of her requirements of probation is to make consistent payments toward the debt she owes to the company.

"She is not prison eligible," Crall said. "She has no record, which is why she was given community control."

Crall said that if Brandenburg does go to prison, she would then be placed under three years of post-release control.

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