SAN FRANCISCO — During a July 8 trial in Department 29 of the San Francisco Superior Court, jurors heard sharply conflicting accounts surrounding a former Seal Rock Inn employee accused of carrying out a fraudulent refund scheme that allegedly cost the family-owned business more than $180,000. As testimony unfolded, jurors were presented with competing narratives over whether the transactions constituted theft or occurred with the knowledge and authorization of the motel’s general manager.
In his opening statement, Deputy District Attorney Chris Peurevelle told jurors the evidence would show the accused systematically stole approximately $180,000 from her employer through fraudulent credit card refunds.
“She lived large and lavishly while a 60-year-old business got crushed,” DDA Peurevelle said, arguing that surveillance footage, bank records and financial documents would demonstrate the alleged scheme beyond a reasonable doubt…