DENVER—A former Department of Revenue supervisor who pleaded guilty in a scam to steal nearly $11 million from the state has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.
Michelle Cawthra pleaded guilty in February 2008 to racketeering. She was also ordered Friday to pay $10.9 million restitution.
Revenue Director Roxy Huber asked the judge for the maximum in order to send a strong message.
Cawthra pleaded guilty to a scam of diverting bogus tax refunds to businesses allegedly controlled by Hysear Randell, who faces trial in July for several charges, including forgery and embezzlement.
Randell’s wife, Trudy Randell pleaded guilty in November to theft in a plea deal that called for probation, a suspended sentence and $1 million restitution.
