What happened: A woman who police say stole nearly $90,000 in rent payments from tenants at two Riviera Beach apartment complexes has learned her fate.
Background: Ashley Clayton could've received up to 25 years in prison if she had gone to trial and was convicted. Friday afternoon, she was sentenced to 10 years probation, with no prison time.
"It was never my intention to cause harm and I deeply regret the circumstances that have brought me here," Clayton said in court Friday afternoon, when she spoke to the Circuit Court Judge Sarah Willis before sentence was pronounced. Clayton , 39, who now lives in Miami was charged with grand theft, fraud and money laundering and she pleaded guilty.
Clayton worked in management at the Berkeley Landing and Heron Estates apartment complexes in Riviera Beach. Riviera Beach Police say she had some tenants send their rent money through Zelle directly to her personal bank account.
Clayton instructed other tenants to pay with blank money orders and leave the details empty. Police say Clayton stole about $89,000 in rent payments.
The prosecutor said many of the VICS were senior citizens and some received rent assistance.
The available details are limited to the information verified at publication time. Readers should expect updates as the matter develops.
Any person identified in connection with an alleged offense is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: official sources including CBS12 News.
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