Embezzlement Cases Rising in Maine

The number of embezzlement is on the rise in Maine.

Between 1987 and 2002, no more than 20 people were arrested for embezzlement each year.

The Sun Journal of Lewiston reports that the numbers started going up in 2003, with the count growing to 43 in 2010 and 56 in 2011.

The cases have included people stealing from towns, banks, libraries, lawyers and civic organizations.

Officials say there are a number of theories on why the numbers are going up, including that there are simply more people embezzling, that more people are getting caught, that victims are more willing to report the thefts, and that police and prosecutors are more willing to investigate and prosecute.