Bookkeeper sentenced to 3 years' probation in embezzlement case

A Carson City bookkeeper received probation Tuesday after fleecing a client for $5,000.

George Makare, owner of A-1 Bookkeeping & Tax Services, was sentenced to three years probation and given a suspended sentence of 12 to 32 months in prison. He must also give prospective and current clients a letter disclosing his conviction and the clients must sign the letter to show they are aware and still want his services, said Deputy District Attorney Matt Griffin.

Makare, 59, was arrested Jan. 7 on suspicion of felony embezzlement.

According to court documents, an investigation into Makare's work began in January after a client lost her checkbook and began to periodically check her account balance to make sure no one was using the checks.

Instead, the victim spotted several transfers totaling more than $9,000 going from her account into Makare's.

At least two other clients were also the victims of embezzlement between June and January. They declined to press charges after a relative of Makare paid them back $25,000.

The victim was also reimbursed her money by the relative.

n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.