The Rotorua High Court sentenced Linnet Lewis to five years and five months’ imprisonment on June 19, 2015.
She pleaded guilty to 16 charges of theft in a special relationship in May 2015.
A Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation resulted in criminal charges against the defendant in November 2013.
Cool Million
In 2004, Ms Lewis set up a business to assist people to manage their financial affairs. She acted as her clients’ agent or as a trustee for her clients’ trusts, thereby gaining complete control over her clients’ assets. Ms Lewis used the confidence placed in her by her clients to steal from them, in some instances using forged documents to commit the offences. Between 2005 and 2011 she stole approximately $1 million.
SFO Chief Executive Julie Read said, “The sentence reflects the egregious breach of trust perpetrated by Ms Lewis upon vulnerable clients. It also sends a message to those who might contemplate acting in a way that undermines confidence in New Zealand as a safe place to invest and do business that there may be serious consequences for such misconduct.”
Retirees victimised
Linnet Lewis’ clients were predominantly retirees who she met during her time with a previous employer. She provided financial services including paying bills, arranging tax returns, managing property portfolios and client investments.
On June 7, 2012, the Rotorua Police referred an investigation into the affairs of Linnet Lewis and her associated entities to SFO, which worked with the Financial Markets Authority at the initial phase of the investigation and determined to commence criminal prosecution.
-A Serious Fraud Office Press Release
