Pasadena parole agent denies stealing from parolee

LOS ANGELES — A Pasadena parole agent pleaded not guilty Thursday to an accusation of stealing more than $3,000 from a female parolee, officials said.
Robert Earl Wilson, 53, of Chino Hills is charged with embezzlement by a public officer and grand theft by embezzlement, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s officials said in a written statement.
He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in Los Angeles Superior Court April 6, officials said, when his preliminary hearing will be scheduled.
“Wilson allegedly stole more than $3,000 from a female parolee who, while incarcerated, authorized him to withdraw funds from her bank account in order to put money into her jail account,” according to the written statement. The crimes were reported between Jan. 30 and May 18 of 2010.
“The victim discovered the alleged embezzlement after her release from jail when she reviewed bank records and noticed a series of unauthorized withdrawals during her period of incarceration,” according to the statement.
While Wilson was not responsible for the alleged victim’s supervision, he earned her trust through their encounters at the Pasadena parole office, 333. E. Walnut Street, investigators said.
He was initially arrested at the office July 28 of last year, and was released from custody after posting $20,000 bail.
Wilson, who has been a parole agent with the California Department of Corrections for more than 20 years, was placed on administrative leave when an investigation was launched, officials said. 
If convicted as charged, Wilson faces up to three years and eight months in state prison.
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