Allison Simmons, a woman who embezzled over $1 million from her employer, a mushroom farm, and spent $180,000 on the mobile game Candy Crush, has admitted to theft charges and had her bail revoked.
Simmons confessed to seven counts of theft after scamming more than $1 million over six years while working as a payroll officer at Merbein Mushrooms in Victoria’s northwest.
Beginning in 2013, she started making unauthorized payments to her own bank account through the company’s payroll system, amassing $279,496 by 2019, according to prosecutor Peter Pickering at the County Court hearing.
Simmons also transferred $884,423 to other bank accounts in 435 transactions before funneling the money back to herself, totaling $1,163,919 by 2019.
The fraudulent scheme was uncovered when another employee noticed money being sent to unfamiliar bank accounts linked to different workers who complained about not receiving their wages.
Simmons had altered their bank details to accounts under her control.
Upon learning of the irregularities, mushroom farm director Geoffrey Izard hired an IT expert to investigate, suspecting a security breach.
An audit of the payroll system exposed Simmons’ illegal activities.
Court records show she made numerous cash withdrawals totaling $203,000, spent around $181,000 on Facebook games like Candy Crush, $86,000 on personal expenses, and gave $151,000 to relatives using stolen funds.
Simmons alleged that Izard had authorized her raise when she was appointed as the health and safety officer, a claim refuted by Pickering.
She then shifted blame to the director, stating he had requested cash withdrawals for himself, which Izard denied.
Pickering accused Simmons of lying and attempting to cover up her actions when confronted.
Both legal teams acknowledged that Simmons deserved a prison sentence for her crimes.
Defense lawyer Raj Bhattacharya cited Simmons’ history of depression as a reason to avoid jail time, suggesting it would worsen her condition.
However, Pickering argued that prison would only add minimal stress to her mental health, given her previous diagnosis and treatment.
He described her actions as deceptive and only discovered by chance.
“She took advantage of an existing employee’s account out of greed,” he stated.
Simmons had a prior conviction for a similar offense.
Judge David Sexton criticized her lack of remorse as he revoked her bail.
Sentencing for Simmons will occur at a later time.
