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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 5, 2006 Man sentenced for embezzling A bookkeeper with a 15-year history of felony theft convictions was sentenced Wednesday to more than three years in prison for embezzling from a Medford furniture store. Michael Lee Acton, 47, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Jackson County Circuit Court to the charge of racketeering. Circuit Court Judge Bill Purdy ordered him to serve three years and three months in prison for stealing $35,000 this year and last from Larson's Home Furnishings. In exchange for Acton's plea, Purdy dismissed 13 counts of first-degree theft. Employed as a private contractor for Larson's, Acton stole from the store by submitting invoices for services he never performed. Advertisement Larson's general manager did not address the court Wednesday and declined comment. Purdy also revoked Acton's probation on a January 2005 conviction for racketeering. In that case, Acton pleaded guilty to stealing more than $60,000 from State Farm Insurance, Pacific Western Homes and a Portland software company. Acton's first local embezzlement scheme nearly shut down a Medford software company that produces Bible-themed video games. During a year of employment between 2002 and 2003, Acton stole $102,000 from N'Lightning Software Development Inc. by writing himself checks from the company's business account and fabricating the books. His explanation — a repeat from earlier crimes — Acton blamed the theft Wednesday on his addictions to alcohol and gambling. He apologized to Larson's. Acton's criminal record dates to 1991, where he was convicted in Clackamas County of first-degree theft. He was sentenced in a similar case in 1997 in Multnomah County. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing UK Homeowner Loans GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com