Jefferson County Woman Charged with Embezzling $25,500 from Employer

Jefferson County, Mo. (KFMO) - A Jefferson County woman is facing felony charges after being accused of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from her employer during the summer of 2023.

According to a probable cause statement from the St. Louis County Police Department, Karen B. Norris, who worked as the office manager for a Jefferson County-based contractor, allegedly made four unauthorized withdrawals totaling $25,500 from the company’s account at Montgomery Bank in Valley Park. Police said the withdrawals occurred over a two-week period in June 2023.

One transaction, for $11,000, triggered a federal bank reporting requirement, prompting bank officials to alert the contractor. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Norris making the withdrawals. Investigators said the employer confirmed Norris did not have permission to access the funds.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Norris with stealing $25,000 or more, a felony. She has been issued a criminal summons to appear in court on January 13, 2025.