A bookkeeper has been arrested after reportedly embezzling nearly $200,000 from a medical provider at Lake Sumter Landing.
Valentina Yvonne Lavender, 63, of Lady Lake, is facing felony charges of fraud and grand theft, after she allegedly diverted $198,806 into her bank account while she was working as bookkeeper and payroll administrator at Florida Musculoskeletal Institute at 910 Old Camp Road.
She took the money between Jan. 17 and Nov. 22 last year, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
Florida Musculoskeletal Institute is a “comprehensive orthopedic care center offering an unparalleled range of allied healthcare services to people suffering from bone, muscle and joint pain,” according to its website.
The practice’s principal, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Carl Ollivierre, in December discovered direct deposits to Lavender he found to be suspicious. Lavender admitted to taking the money and she was fired.
A review of the bank statements showed that Lavender made “multiple” direct deposits to her bank account. She attempted to cover her tracks by later altering the transactions.
“Lavender’s position with the practice afforded her the opportunity to alter said entries,” the probable cause affidavit said.
She is free on $20,000 bond.
