Woman pleads guilty to felony theft

Monday, September 22, 2008

A Greencastle woman pleaded guilty Wednesday in Putnam Circuit Court to a charge of Class D felony theft.

Tamera S. Wade, 45, of the 700 block of South Locust Street, is accused of stealing several thousand dollars from the office of a local accountant. Wade worked for the accountant as an office assistant.

Scott Stockton of the Indiana State Police is the lead detective on the case. He declined to divulge the name of the accountant Wade worked for or the exact amount of money she had allegedly stolen.

"Those are facts I don't really want to reveal because there could be ramifications for and further damage done to the business," Stockton said.

Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter said it was safe to say Wade was accused of stealing several thousand dollars.

"It's my understanding that they're still investigating and trying to come up with an exact amount," he said.

Wade was not arrested, Stockton said. A warrant for her arrest was issued on Tuesday, but she surrendered herself to the court the next day. She was accompanied by her attorney, Darrell Felling.

"After she went to court, she was taken to the jail and processed like anyone else would have been," Stockton said.

Wade's sentencing was set for Oct. 16.

Wade has no prior criminal record, which Stockton said is not out of the ordinary.

"Historically, if you look at white-collar crime, most of the offenders are first-time offenders," he said. "Things happen and people do things that are out of character. They are people other people know ... people with families, elders in the church, your neighbors."

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  • What are people thinking?

    -- Posted by workingmomoftwo on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 11:16 AM
  • WOW, I AM SURE THAT IF THAT WAS ME THEY WOULD HAVE PRINTED THE COMPLETE STORY, I BELIEVE IT IS PUBLIC RECORD ISN'T IT??? WHAT'S UP WITH THAT? EVEN IF IT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION THEY HAVE PRINTED THE NECESSARY INFO IN THE PROBABLE CAUSE AFFIDAVIT OR THERE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN A CHARGE.

    -- Posted by opiniononly on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 12:27 PM
  • Thank you IndianaOpioion, I couldnt have said it better! Thank you!! To all of you out there that want to throw stones, please be very careful,We have ALL made mistakes, just be thankful yours are not being published...No one really knows what they would do in this type of situation, or tempation! So unless you are sinless and unless you are perfect PLEASE for the sake of her family and children please try offering prayer and support instead of negative opinions! This town is SO QUICK to judge...She will be judged by a higher JUDGE than you and I so just let this be.

    -- Posted by thistownsucks on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 2:52 PM
  • It is to my understanding from the article published, the Ms. Wade has accepted full responsibility for her actions, which is very admirable. Because how many of us really own up to every mistake we have made. I'm sure that she is aware that what she did is wrong and I am also certain that she is remorseful. It is not up to any of us to judge her, for I believe that the bible states "he who is without sin, cast the first stone." And, Jesus is the only person ever to walk this fine earth without sin. None of us know the circumstances, and it is really none of our business. I also feel like there are more newsworthy topics that the paper could be covering! Prayers for the Wade family, and those who are judging them and gossiping. Remember, those things are sins as well and to the Lord, no sin is greater than the other!

    -- Posted by Greencastle7 on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 3:25 PM
  • Wow, This is so not the woman I know. She has always been a sweet person with a great attitude.Something must have caused her to do this.I am praying for her and her family.

    -- Posted by cominatcha on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 4:15 PM
  • The Wade's are an amazing family. Bad things happen to good people. This is proof. Back your neighbor up... it may be you next time.

    -- Posted by townielove on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 6:26 PM
  • I am sure that the Wade's are a nice family, however that's not the point. Bad things do happen to good people, but more to the point, good people sometimes do bad things. What about the accountant's reputation? This is not exactly a victimless crime.

    -- Posted by sneakers on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 7:32 PM
  • I would never have believed that someone in the jurisdiction of this paper was capable of committing a white collar crime...

    -- Posted by membersonly on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 7:54 PM
  • As a Christian, I will be praying daily for this family in their time of need. Shame on you other people that imply this is the Wade's fault!!!

    As a Greencastle resident of course I know the Wad's. they are amazing people and my only regret is that their son whom I will not name here had aspired to be a politician and now I am afriad these dreams are shattered.

    it takes so much to shake the label of Thief from a family name but I know the wades will make it through this, as it is just another of God's trials. God be with your family, and to other SKEPTICS leave them in peace....

    -- Posted by greencastlemother on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 8:00 PM
  • She knew what she was doing. If it wasn't her fault then whose fault was it. Stealing is stealing!

    -- Posted by indy500 on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 9:09 PM
  • Why are his dreams shattered? Why can he not aspire to his higher purpose just because his mom made a poor choice? She did something wrong and she'll pay the price. Her son can follow his dream and lead a successful, happy life. This is not the first family in our community that has experienced this kind of embarrassment and may not be the last. The courts gonna do whatever it is they do and we should all go back to doing whatever it is we were doing before we were dragged into someone else's personal life. Hang in there Wade family.

    -- Posted by ladycoltsfan on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 9:42 PM
  • I have read blog after blog in the last couple years about mistakes people have made and how appalled other people are of those mistakes. The hate in some of the comments has been so hurtful. It's been refreshing to see so many positive comments on this story. I hope those of you who read these and write these comments think about most of the postings in the most recent of the local "felony/theft" articles and how judgmental and offensive they've been. The situations are tough enough on the people involved without so many rumors, comments and untruths being added. Think of their families. I'm sorry for all involved in any of these situations...the Wade's, the Frisbie's...the countless others and the folks who write in the blogs. I will be praying for all of you.

    -- Posted by we're all human on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 8:45 AM
  • i think this is very sad. not for the perp but for the victim. i dont hear anything about him. all of you say that bad things happen to good people - well im sure that our victim is probably a pretty good guy. i dont hear any prayers goin out to him and his family. as far as this could happen to any of us...well im here to tell you that i am not goin to ever be goin to jail for stealing. this is not a mother who is living on the streets and had to steal 20 bucks so her kids could eat today - that i could understand. this was a long drawn out process where a lot of money was stolen - not just in a single moment of weakness. so for the victims of this crime...my prayers go out to you and your family.

    -- Posted by mother of three on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 8:47 AM
  • Well said LadyColtsFan! Just look at the Kennedy's, and they are still in politics. No matter what the dreams are of her child or children, they should be unchanged and just as ambitious.

    -- Posted by MsBehaving on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 11:55 AM
  • Well said, mother of three. If this was a couple of dollars to feed her kids this would be a different story. But, they lived high on the hog. From what I understand her husband was involved also. How could he not be - with al of the purchases that were made? I hope that she is prosecuted to the fullest.

    -- Posted by dzmwrr on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 4:18 PM
  • What does "bad things happen to good people" mean. Stealing doesn't just happen. That is a really bad decision. Yah Yah no one is perfect, maybe that should have been posted here several times in the last couple of weeks. And then you blame the economy whatever!! There are so many HONEST people that can barely make it from paycheck to paycheck, can't afford to do and have some of the things this family has. They choose to do without rather than stealing. You want me to not be harsh. Don't be quick to judge. WOW!!! None of our business, these comments really floor me. I guess it wasn't you she stold from.

    -- Posted by workingmomoftwo on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 8:45 PM
  • dzmwrr...Unless you are directly involved with the investigation and you have 1st hand information I strongly suggest you watch what you say about Mrs. Wades husband!! Thats just what this town needs MORE CHATTY KATHYS running their mouths about nothing more than "here say" or "what they have heard...People like you spreading rumors you know nothing about is exactly why this town is the way it is...Get a life and find a hobbie other than gossiping!

    -- Posted by thistownsucks on Wed, Sep 24, 2008, at 12:00 PM
  • As I sit here and read the thoughtless comments you all are making it makes me sad. I along with my family are very close to the Wade family and if you know them you will agree that they are a strong, caring, and a great family. As I sit here reading how rude and hateful people can be it makes me upset. As one person makes a bad move, everyone seems to make all these crazy hurtful comments and bring her husband in to it then the children. Ok for the comments about her son becoming a politican ummm he's smarter than most adults. I'm sure he'll be successful in anything he attempts to do and if you really knew him you'ld know that. As for what thistownsucks said about unless your involved in the investigation, you have no reason or room to make any judgements on the case is soooo true. Everyone makes bad judgements so let's be supportive and keep your rude comments to yourself. Why must you come on here hiding your names making mean comments and hurting someone you don't even really know? You never know it may be you some day!

    -- Posted by asmalltowngirl on Wed, Sep 24, 2008, at 8:51 PM
  • It makes no difference to me how "good" her family is. She is a thief. I am not judging her...just defining her actions. Why so many of you are defending her is beyond belief! Hard times..."with the economy like it is a lot of good folks will be wondering what to do"...good people do not steal! They work...and if necessary they trim their budget...but they do not steal. I say the same as I did when someone stole from a local optometrist. And that is...what about the victim? Is she going to pay back this anonymous accountant? And to "we're all human" please do not pray for me. If you feel that you need to pray for someone...why not pray for the innocent victims that dishonest people take advantage of?

    -- Posted by ExHoosier on Mon, Sep 29, 2008, at 4:42 PM
  • I usually read the articles online of what is going on around Putnam County. I am fairly new to the area all though I have lived close all my life. Reading these comments make me laugh a little bit. I have read stories in the past about theft, or burglary and if the people aren't well known in your "community" they are crucified. This woman is well known so most of you want to make excuses for her. She stole that's the bottom line. She is a thief. Like it, or not that is a fact. Does the victim not deserve thoughts to him since he is out a large amount of money? I don't know anyone who doesn't sruggle in some way with the economy the way it is but i do know a lot of them aren't stealing to get by. Here's an idea work another job, so you're not a criminal.

    -- Posted by lakeresident on Tue, Sep 30, 2008, at 1:11 AM
  • Lakeresident: Well said! I couldn't agree more. Curious how some folks tend to look at things!

    -- Posted by ExHoosier on Tue, Sep 30, 2008, at 4:53 PM
  • ExHoosier & Lakeresident took the words right out of my mouth. I just hope that her and her family, being long time residents of Greencastle, don't sway the decision of punishment to the side of lenient. Leniency given to this lady & it happens down the road to someone with no history to the "known" people of the county, what will their punishment be? I wonder how the people that commented with, "remember you could be next", meaning I could be the next person that is stealing money. How can you even say that? You have control over your actions, it just doesn't happen. The checkbook and pen just didn't jump into her hand and force her to write these checks & that won't happen to any of us. You are responsible for your actions and if you do the crime you pay the time, as they say. I do feel heavy hearted for their boys, what a spot to put them in.

    -- Posted by Fair Lady on Wed, Oct 15, 2008, at 9:42 AM
  • Any follow up on this?

    -- Posted by LangdonUlger on Fri, Nov 14, 2008, at 7:21 AM
  • has anything happened with this story?

    -- Posted by DjKay on Fri, Nov 14, 2008, at 12:08 PM
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