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Disability Officer Steals from Disabled11 September 2002AUSTRALIA – As reported by the Australian Advertiser: "Neil Joseph Dekuyer was entrusted to look after money that belonged to some `of the most vulnerable' members of society. "But instead of protecting the needs of his intellectually disabled clients, he committed the ultimate betrayal of trust. "The former Intellectual Disability Services Council officer, who has a chronic gambling addiction, stole $71,000 (US$38,872) from 33 disabled people. "Dekuyer, 40, of Glenelg, was yesterday sentenced in the Adelaide Magistrates Court to 3 1/2 years' jail with a 19-month, non-parole period. "…Bob Lempens, for Dekuyer, said his client started working for the council when he was 18. "Mr Lempens said Dekuyer had an excellent rapport with clients and staff and as time went on he was given the responsibility of devising systems on how to spend client's money. "…Mr Lempens said Dekuyer had devised parts of the financial system at CHART and had tried to hide his offending by writing in false details. "…Mr Lempens said Dekuyer was still battling his addiction despite seeing numerous counsellors and psychiatrists. "He said Dekuyer, who had once blown $30,000 (US$16,425) on gambling in a day, was relieved when his theft was finally detected and fully co-operated with police…" |