Cranberry convenience store owner Nasser Elyaderani said he had to get a home equity loan to stay in business following the theft of more than $70,000 in lottery tickets.
A former employee, David Gerbrosky, of Ellwood City, pleaded guilty to one count of theft and has been ordered to repay $69,472 to Mr. Elyaderani's business, Freedom Market, and $5,000 to the store's insurance carrier. The business is located at the intersection of Powell and Freedom roads in Cranberry.
Following his guilty plea in July, Mr. Gerbrosky was sentenced on Aug. 12 by Butler County Judge William Shaffer to 90 to 180 days in the county jail and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
As part of his plea agreement, however, he was granted parole. According to court records, he has made a $2,000 initial restitution payment.
Cranberry police brought charges in July 2008 after Mr. Elyaderani provided them with a security video showing Mr. Gerbrosky taking lottery tickets.
Mr. Elyaderani said he wanted to remind other convenience store operators and business owners about the importance of keeping personal control over inventory that can be converted easily into cash. "The loss pushed us to the brink of bankruptcy," he said.
An immigrant from Iran, Mr. Elyaderani has operated Freedom Market for about two years.
He also advised business owners to review their insurance policies. He had what he believed to be $65,000 worth of theft coverage, but he discovered after the incident that most of his loss -- resulting from theft by an employee -- was not covered.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09239/993393-54.stm#ixzz0Prt9jiHY
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