Tianna Melius, 23, who has recently found another job with a London estate agent, received a suspended prison sentence today and was ordered to repay some of the money she took.
Melius, of Queen’s Mead Road, Bromley pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by abuse of position to make gains of £4,496.47; £1,415.50 and £327 between January 14 and February 18, last year.
Croydon Crown Court heard she worked for Brixton property company Lexadon and on two occasions transferred tenants’ deposits to her own accounts.
She also used the company credit card to spend £800 at Argos and £615 at IKEA and used Lexadon funds to pay her own company, Speedy Cleaners, £387.
“Her responsibilities included dealing with money, she had use of the company credit card and handled the tenants’ deposits,” said prosecutor Nicholas Mesure.
The first £2,446 deposit she took “bounced back” to Lexadon’s account and there was no loss and the second deposit of £2,050, due to a female renter, ended up in Melius’ account.
“The tenant Lucy Snowden did chase it and it is only as a result of her chasing it that the fraud was discovered,” added the prosecutor.
Melius was arrested on June 30. “She denied she was dishonest when she was interviewed,” said Mr Mesure, applying for £3,792 compensation to Lexadon.
“She has recently obtained a job with a an estate agency and she would like to pay the amount in full,” said Sarah Fairbairn, defending. “She admits she took the money and is embarrassed about it.
“She had a difficult childhood and upbringing and her relationship with her mother broke down when her boyfriend was arrested for a firearms offence.
“He died in a 2020 car crash and she was homeless as her mother would not take her back.
“She was living in a hostel and felt unsafe and was desperate for her own home. She was rejected for a loan and needed a deposit for a private rental.
“Out of desperation she chose to commit these offences as a last resort and is extremely remorseful.”
Recorder Katherine Deal QC told the first-time offender: “You abused your position as office co-ordinator to benefit yourself, but it was not a sophisticated fraud.
“There was some early panicky efforts to avoid a confrontation with your employer and it is disappointing how ready you were to look for money that was not yours.
“I hope this was a one-off offence in extreme circumstances that will not be repeated.”
Melius was also ordered to complete 150 hours community service work, twenty-five days of a Probation Service-ordered rehabilitation activity requirement and pay Lexadon £1,000 compensation.
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