An accounts administrator plundered more than $27,000 from her employers by falsifying documents.

Tannea Santucci, 31, stole the money from Bermuda Motors while she worked for the car dealership as an accounts manager between 2013 and this year.

Her crime spree came to light in April when she pocketed $1,470, which had been entered into the accounts as monies returned to a customer as part of a refund.

The discovery prompted an internal financial review by the firm that revealed 34 further discrepancies in the financial accounts that totalled $27,440.

Santucci also repeatedly put her car in for a service at Bermuda Motors and then forged documents to cover her tracks and avoid paying for the work. Prosecutor Garrett Byrne said: “ She was employed as an accounts administrator for 14 years and her duties included receiving accounts, insurance claims and alike.

“An audit of 2014 revealed a number of discrepancies where numerous account names had been listed by the defendant to falsify the removal of cash.

“Throughout that period 34 transactions with discrepancies appeared in the report.”

Mr Byrne went on to list a series of instances when Santucci removed cash and then falsified records to cover her tracks at the firm between 2013 and this year. He added: “She falsified the general ledger and then benefited to a total we say of $27,440.

“This course of conduct took place over a long period of time while she was in a position of trust.

“She was arrested on July 11 this year and taken to Hamilton Police Station, where she was interviewed and admitted the majority of transactions and falsifying the accounts.”

The court was told that Santucci had no previous convictions and the Crown would be making an application for reparations on behalf of Bermuda Motors.

Santucci wiped tears from her eyes as she admitted dishonestly falsifying accounts and stealing cash from Bermuda Motors at Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

She was released on bail while a pre-sentencing report was prepared and will return to court on December 3 for sentence.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. As we are legally liable for any slanderous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers.