Michelle Gushue to be sentenced Nov. 12 on fraud charges

Michelle Renee Gushue has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of fraud in relation to her work as a bookkeeper for three St. John's and area companies, and will be sentenced Nov. 12.

The 40-year-old appeared in provincial court in St. John's Wednesday, where the consequences of her behaviour was described in two victim impact statements.

She has admitted to depositing company cheques into her own accounts.

Newlab Oxygen Limited told the court that Gushue stole nearly $40,000.

The company says it spent another $30,000 to hire extra staff and upgrade its accounting practices as a result of the thefts.

The victim impact statement said Gushue's activities, and the costs incurred later, "almost put the company into receivership."

The CEO of Parallel Services Inc., Gerard Lahey, said concerns were raised immediately after Gushue was hired there.

It felt like she came into our workplace and took advantage of us at a vulnerable time.- Gerard Lahey, Parallel Services

Lahey said the situation was intensified by the fact that a key member of the staff was seriously ill at the time, and has since passed away.

"It felt like she came into our workplace and took advantage of us at a vulnerable time," Lahey wrote.

Parallel's losses amounted to nearly $7,300 through three forged cheques, the court was told.

Both companies say much of their losses were refunded by financial institutions, but the impacts have been long-lasting.

"It has caused a mistrust of people," said the statement from Newlab Oxygen.

Gushue also worked for One Percent Realty, and pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud relating to her time with that company.

Gushue said she stole the money because she was in a difficult financial situation.