It Took 16 Years To Catch A Field Museum $900,000 Embezzler

by Gary Snyder

Chicago’s former Field Museum worker Caryn Benson admitted in federal court to stealing more than $400,000 from her longtime employer, but the U.S. attorney’s office contended the amount was over $900,000. 

She acknowledged pocketing cash payments that some museum patrons made for memberships between June 2008 and April 2014. 

She also admitted to, during that period, keeping cash patrons paid for drink tickets at special events at the natural history museum, such as the regular members' nights. 

Where were the auditors for 16 years?


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