SANTA CLARITA : Couple Plead Not Guilty in Escrow Embezzlement Case
One of Santa Clarita’s most prominent couples surrendered to authorities Thursday and pleaded not guilty to embezzling $2.8 million from clients of their escrow company, the largest such alleged heist in state history.
A Los Angeles Municipal judge released Harold Wiener, 51, on his own recognizance so he can continue to receive treatment for his transplanted heart. His wife Kathy, 47, was jailed in lieu of $1 million bail.
The Wieners, who face up to 12 years in state prison if convicted, are charged with stealing the money between 1990 and 1993 from Country Oaks Escrow, a Valencia-based company founded by Kathy Wiener in 1981.
State auditors, who seized Country Oaks in June, 1993, allege that the money was used to pay business expenses and support a lavish lifestyle at the Wiener’s Newhall home.
Harold and Kathy Wiener declined comment Thursday. They have previously proclaimed their innocence.
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