Hidden in Plain Sight - How a Dental Office Manager Embezzled $370k

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Episode length: 1h 8m  |  Published: 2023-01-27


She was trusted completely. She was there every day. And she was stealing — for years. Virginia orthodontist Dr. David Hughes describes in his own words how his office manager embezzled over $370,000 from his practice, right under his nose. Dr. Hughes is joined by Prosperident CEO David Harris, senior investigator Wendy Askins, and forensic accountant Amber Weber-Gonzales.

Topics covered include:

  • How the office manager gained and maintained the trust that made the theft possible
  • The specific methods used to steal and hide $370,000 over time
  • Warning signs that were present but not recognized
  • How the embezzlement was ultimately discovered
  • The forensic investigation process and what it uncovered
  • The legal outcome and Dr. Hughes's path to recovery
  • What Dr. Hughes would do differently — and what he wants other dentists to know

If you suspect embezzlement in your dental practice, call Prosperident before taking any action. Visit www.prosperident.com or schedule directly at www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid.

Episode Timestamps

  • 0:00 - Introduction / Show open
  • 3:24 - How the office manager gained and maintained the trust that made the theft
  • 12:04 - The specific methods used to steal and hide $370,000 over time
  • 20:44 - Warning signs that were present but not recognized
  • 32:00 - How the embezzlement was ultimately discovered
  • 40:00 - The forensic investigation process and what it uncovered
  • 48:00 - The legal outcome and Dr. Hughes's path to recovery
  • 56:00 - What Dr. Hughes would do differently
  • 1:04:04 - Closing / How to contact Prosperident
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