COLORADO SPRINGS – — A Colorado Springs bookkeeper pleaded guilty Thursday to embezzling nearly $500,000 from a welding supply store – a crime that helped drive the family-run business into bankruptcy.
Christina Michele Bratcher faces up to 12 years in prison at her July 27 sentencing. She pleaded guilty to felony theft and forgery.
Her plea deal contained no sentencing concessions. Fourth Judicial District Judge David L. Shakes will decide her penalty.
According to authorities, Bratcher, 44, embezzled the money while serving as an accountant at Colorado Welding Supply, a mother-and-son operated business formerly at 855 Garner St., near Cimarron and South 8th Streets.
The business went bankrupt in 2010 after sagging revenues left them without a means to cover unpaid employment taxes, according to Eric Younger, a co-owner with his mother, Jo Younger, also of Colorado Springs.
The pair discovered the thefts while reviewing their books in preparation for a fire sale.
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