Ex-bookkeeper gets probation for stealing $50K from employer

GOSHEN — The former bookkeeper for a Newburgh medical practice was sentenced Wednesday to probation for stealing $50,000 from her employer.

Margaret Vredenburgh, 61, of Newburgh, repaid the money as part of her plea deal. The name of her employer was not mentioned in court.

The thefts were discovered in the fall of 2011. Vredenburgh was arrested in April following a state police investigation. In May, she pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny, a felony, in Orange County Court.

Vredenburgh was back in court Wednesday for sentencing. Her lawyer, Gary Pisanelli, said Vredenburgh had repaid a significant portion of the stolen money; the balance was being held in Pisanelli's escrow account, to be paid to the court later that day to make restitution in full.

John Geidel, the senior trial assistant district attorney, said prosecutors had recommended the judge cap Vredenburgh's sentence at six months in jail, plus five years of probation.

Judge Nicholas De Rosa had promised a straight five years of probation, as long as she repaid the money, and that was the term he imposed.

But the judge cautioned her.

"Mrs. Vredenburgh, this is the second time you've done this," De Rosa said. "If you become employed, you will have to let your employer know about this."


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