A San Jose bookkeeper pleaded no contest today to one felony count of state income tax evasion, and one felony count of grand theft, according to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).
Sherrie L. Thomas, 48, worked for a local swimming pool company for 13 years. According to court documents, Thomas admitted to embezzling more than $1 million from her employer. However, on her state income tax returns, Thomas reported only her wages from employment. All income is taxable, including income from illegal sources.
Thomas owes the state more than $136,000 in tax, penalties, interest, and the cost of the investigation. The maximum state prison sentence Thomas faces is four years and four months.
Thomas is currently being held in the Santa Clara County Jail pending her next court appearance. Her sentencing is scheduled for August 12 in Department 24 of the Hall of Justice.
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Jerome Brock took the plea in Department 29 of the Hall of Justice. Santa Clara County Assistant District Attorney Mike Fitzsimmons is prosecuting the case.
This is a joint investigation between the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office and the FTB.