Clerk charged with stealing $6 million

HOUSTON, July 9 (UPI) -- Investigators say an accounts receivable clerk for a Houston window builder stole $6 million in four years.

Marcia Sinclair, who was arrested Monday, allegedly spent the money on high-priced clothes, designer sunglasses, more than 100 rings, home furnishings that included a TV in every room of her home and vacations, the Houston Chronicle reported. Sinclair enjoyed shopping for clothes in London, investigators said, although she also spent $250,000 at Neiman-Marcus back home.

She is being held in lieu of $12 million bail.

Sinclair, 43, had worked for 16 years for Gulf Coast Window Covering. Four years ago, she allegedly began depositing checks into her own account instead of her employer's.

Bill Gaul, the company president, said the cash flow situation became so bad this year he had to lay off 30 people. He admits that the company should have had better financial controls but said that he trusted Sinclair.

He said he was surprised to hear of her spending habits.

"Instead of buying a $2,000 pair of shoes, she bought 12 pairs of $2,000 shoes," he said.