Hardwick Electric embezzlement suspect to claim mental illness
Joyce Bellavance
Hardwick, Vermont - June 17, 2011
A former employee of the Hardwick Electric Department now claims mental illness caused her to allegedly steal almost $1.5 million from the utility.
Joyce Bellavance is facing more than a dozen federal charges for allegedly pilfering funds from the power company when she worked there as an office manager. Bellavance's lawyer filed a notice in federal court showing that he plans to introduce expert testimony proving Bellavance suffered from a mental disease.
Bellavance allegedly used the money to buy diamonds, gold, a $350,000 Boston condo, a $41,000 SUV and more.
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Joyce Bellavance
