Fraud and Home Detention
Casey Maree Bryant, a mother of five and administrative officer with the Central Highlands Council in Tasmania, found herself in legal trouble after defrauding the council of over $130,000. Her scheme involved using a Bunnings membership account in the council's name to purchase various household items, tools, and other goods for personal use.
Bryant would create purchase orders through the council, collect the goods, pay the invoices with council funds, and then falsely enter the data into the system, claiming the purchases were for council use. This fraudulent activity extended beyond Bunnings, with unauthorized orders placed at Battery World, Beaurepaires, and Brierley Hose and Handling, all for her family's benefit.
Adding to the deception, Bryant misused a council fuel card for unleaded petrol purchases, despite the card being designated for a diesel vehicle. The court heard that Bryant's actions were motivated by significant financial strain, including mortgage payments, car loans, and IVF expenses.
In January 2024, Bryant pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including fraud, computer-related fraud, inserting false information, stealing by agent, and dishonestly acquiring a financial advantage. Her husband, Jamie Glen Bryant, also faced charges for presenting fraudulent purchase orders and using a false identity to conceal his wife's actions. He too pleaded guilty.
The court acknowledged the impact of the Bryants' actions on the Central Highlands community and ratepayers, recognizing that their deception had taken away valuable funds. However, the court also considered the impact of incarceration on Bryant's young children, particularly the newborn twins.
Ultimately, Casey Maree Bryant was sentenced to 18 months home detention, subject to electronic monitoring and community service. She was also ordered to repay a portion of the stolen funds. Her husband received a six-month suspended sentence and was ordered to make restitution.
This case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of financial desperation and the importance of accountability for those who breach the trust placed in them.