Comptroller At St. Paul Golf Club Sentenced For Embezzlement

ST. PAUL (AP) — The onetime comptroller for a St. Paul country club has been sentenced to 3½ years in prison for embezzling more than $1 million over eight years.

53-year-old Julie A. Lee, of Farmington, was ordered to pay back to the money she stole from the 130-year-old Town & Country Club. She pleaded guilty wire fraud and filing a false tax return.

U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald says Lee took elaborate steps to hide her deception from her employer, colleagues and club members. Investigators say Lee spent the money on travel, home improvements, numerous vehicles and a large tract of land in northern Minnesota.

Lee had the authority to sign and issue checks on behalf of the private club and had signing authority on its bank accounts.