FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A former financial controller at the Salon Professional Academy in Fargo has been charged with felony theft after allegedly stealing approximately $50,000 from the business through payroll fraud, according to court documents.
Alexis Engelking, 34, was formally arraigned last Friday on one count of felony theft.
Investigators say Engelking manipulated payroll systems by inflating her own paychecks and, on some occasions, issuing herself multiple checks during a single pay period. Co-owner Jodi Brown told detectives she did approve a $12,000 private loan for Engelking to help with the purchase of a home — but Engelking allegedly issued herself two $12,000 payments instead.
Records also indicate that one of those payments may have been used to repay money Engelking previously stole while employed at another business, Fargo Linoleum.
Despite the alleged misconduct, Brown confirmed Engelking has repaid nearly $40,000 of the stolen amount.
Engelking’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 16.
