The Umansky Law Firm

This might not seem like such a large story if there weren't so many groups involved. Burbank, California-based Democratic campaign treasurer, Kinde Durkee, has been charged with federal mail fraud for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her long list of clients.

So far, the only name attached to the criminal count is that of Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-Santa Ana). However, other big name federal, state, and local clients on Durkee's roster include the Democratic parties of several counties, such as Orange, and cities, such as Los Angeles and Long Beach.

According to the FBI, Durkee allegedly admitted to misappropriating the funds while being interviewed. She allegedly used funds from her clients' accounts and filed false campaign reports to cover up her theft. The mail fraud count stems from filing false campaign reports.

Durkee allegedly took trips to Disneyland and other places, paid her mortgage, paid for her mother's assisted living, and paid for other business expenses with the funds.

According to the complaint, in October 2010, Durkee allegedly made two separate transactions totaling nearly $680,000 from Solorio for Assembly in 2010 to a Durkee & Associates business account without her client's permission or knowledge. The withdrawals were not noted on disclosure forms filed with California.

Durkee has pleaded not guilty. The US attorney's office in Sacramento has said the fraud case may expand to include the accounts of other clients of Durkee, but it is unknown how many individuals or groups that might be. Some of the alleged victims have no idea how much they have lost, and some are worried about making payroll.

If you have been charged with fraud, theft, or shoplifting in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm today for an initial free and confidential case consultation.