La Mirada scrap metal workers accused of embezzlement

LA MIRADA — Two employees at a scrap metal business will be arraigned Thursday for allegedly stealing $152,855 from the till to pay their credit card bills and expenses.
The money was stolen from Star Scrap Metal Recycling in the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. during a 4-month period.
Magali Herrera, 27, who was the accounts receivable manager, and cashier Monica Barragan, 22, were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of embezzlement. They were being held at the sheriff’s Norwalk Station in lieu of $50,000 bail each.
Detectives served search warrants at their residences. About $56,000 was found from Herrera’s home in Los Angeles.
The incident started when deputies were called Tuesday afternoon to Star Scrap Metal Recycling about the embezzlement.
The employees allegedly took money from the registers at the end of their shift and falsified documents to indicate a decreased amount of cash receipts, deputies said.
Management conducted an audit and found the discrepancy.
The employees allegedly admitted to management that they’ve taken several thousands in small amounts from the cash registers since September 2011, according to deputies.
– Ruby Gonzales
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