BANGOR, Maine — A Texas man charged with embezzling as much as $49,000 from the Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Brewer has been released on bail from the Penobscot County Jail, according to court documents.
Eric Johnson, 45, of Alamo, Texas, formerly of Hermon, was indicted in October on one count of theft by unauthorized taking of more than $10,000, a Class B crime.
Johnson was the office manager at the clinic on Dirigo Drive in Brewer, according to Stephen Burlock, assistant district attorney for Penobscot County. It is open overnight Monday through Thursdays and from 5:30 p.m. Fridays through 8 a.m. Mondays.
Sometime in 2014, the veterinarians at the clinic became suspicious of certain purchases and paid for a forensic audit, Burlock said.
The prosecutor said the allegedly criminal behavior was more a misuse of funds than a theft of cash over time. Johnson allegedly used company funds and/or credit cards to purchase items at Target, Sam’s Club and other stores for his personal use. Johnson allegedly used company funds to take a vacation in Orlando, Burlock said.
Information about when and why Johnson moved to Texas was not available Monday.
Johnson was arrested in Texas on Jan. 12 and waived extradition three days later, the prosecutor said.
The former office manager pleaded not guilty to the theft charge on Feb. 8 at the Penobscot Judicial Center and was released Feb. 17 from jail on $5,000 cash bail, according to court documents.
His next court date is April 6.
If convicted, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. He also could be ordered to pay restitution.