MEDIA RELEASE
DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Justice Building • Roseburg, Oregon 97470 • (541) 440-4450
John Hanlin
SHERIFF
Contact Person: Lt. Chris Merrifield
Contact Number: 541-440-4486
Subject: Theft/Forgery
Date/Time of Incident: 12/31/2009 - 11:45
Incident Location: 180 J R Lane, Roseburg
Case Number: 09-4917
Victim: Payne, Lee / DOB 08-09-39 / Roseburg
Arrested: Kluegl, Cheryl / DOB 01-30-57 / Days Creek
On 12-31-09, Lee PAYNE reported his secretary (Cheryl KLUEGL) had been writing checks to herself for cash without his permission since 2006. PAYNE reported KLUEGL was never authorized to sign any of his personal checks, yet she had been doing so to support her gambling habit. PAYNE stated KLUEGL had accounting experience and had been concealing the withdrawals in his bank ledger.
On Tuesday(01-05-09), KLUEGL voluntarily came in for an interview and admitted to the Thefts/Forgeries. KLUEGL stated no other person did PAYNES books. KLUEGL said she had been embezzling money from PAYNE via CHASE (WA MU) in Roseburg, Oregon.
The amount taken from PAYNES accounts is estimated to be near 140,000. Following the interview, KLUEGL was taken into custody for the above mentioned charges.