Woman: I embezzled for boyfriend

DENVER, July 16 (UPI) -- A former Colorado Department of Revenue employee facing 24 years in prison says she stole $11 million for her former boyfriend.

Michelle Cawthra testified Wednesday at Hysear Randell's trial, telling jurors he was well aware the money she was giving him was stolen from the state, The Denver Post reported Thursday. Randell allegedly used the money for business schemes, child support and expensive jewelry and cars.

"I did things I don't think I otherwise would have done had I not been in love with him," Cawthra testified.

Scott Reisch, Randell's lawyer, said his client thought Cawthra had inherited money. She testified Rendell, shortly before they were arrested in 2007, tried to persuade her to make one big score, embezzling as much as $14 million at once.

The couple met in 2002 when he worked briefly in the mail room. Cawthra pleaded guilty and hopes to have her prison sentence reduced by cooperation, the newspaper said.

Rendell's wife also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.