Bookkeeper Charged With Embezzling More Than $260,000 From Local Companies

A Santa Rosa resident who allegedly embezzled more than $260,000 from a Petaluma consulting company and a Rohnert Park law office was arrested Thursday after a lengthy investigation by the Petaluma Police Department.

Charity Howder, 36, is a bookkeeper who police say stole thousands from her employers by issuing checks to herself in small amounts over a period of six years. The employers are Charlotte Creaghan, a Rohnert Park family law practice and , a Petaluma consulting company.

Howder is charged with one count of grand theft and two counts of forgery, said Petaluma Police Department spokesman Lt. Tim Lyons.

Police say Howder issued checks for $2,000 to $4,000 using her employers’ business and personal accounts. Authorities were alerted about the embezzlement last September and conducted a forensic audit to nab the wily bookkeeper,

Detectives say Howder is suspected of embezzling money from other companies and are seeking additional information from anyone who may know her. If you have information about Charity Howder, please contact Detective Joel Stemmer at 778-4372.