MADERA COUNTY – A 30-year-old bookkeeper has been arrested on suspicion of cooking the books at two different companies in Madera, and amassing almost $30,000 before she was caught, according to Sheriff John Anderson.Melissa Judy Ann Pedersen, of Madera, was booked into Madera County Department of Corrections on Wednesday, Apr. 10.
Detective Adam McEwen launched an investigation back on Nov. 15, 2012, when the Sheriff’s Office was first tipped off about an alleged case of embezzlement.
The victim at that time, Valley Fixtures Installers, had hired Pedersen to work as a bookkeeper from October 2011 to October 2012.
During the course of the investigation, another complaint of embezzlement was filed with the Sheriff’s Office, with the same basic pattern, the same suspect, but a new victim – Madera Tractor & Implement.
Detective McEwen concluded his investigation on Apr. 10, and promptly took Melissa Judy Ann Pedersen, who also goes by the names Wallis and Pederren, into custody at her home.
Pedersen was booked on suspicion of forgery, embezzlement and grand theft.
