Police: accountant stole $100K+ from small businesses

SUWANEE, Ga. - Suwanee Police arrested an accountant for stealing money from Metro small businesses and said at least $100,000 is missing from three clients, so far. 

Arlisa Bookman is in the Gwinnett County Jail on charges of Identity Fraud, Theft, Computer Theft and Computer Trespass. Investigators are concerned there could be more victims, and ask her clients to check their financial records for any inconsistencies. 

Police said Bookman owns and runs the business Bookman Accounting and Tax Services, and would withdraw funds from accounts she was hired to manage. 

Investigators tell FOX 5, the first victims to report fraud were the owners of the Suwanee Academy of the Arts, a non-profit that provides dance and theater classes to local youth. $65,000 was reported missing, police said. 

"Why would you take kids' money?" said co-owner Patty Etherton, who said Bookman was fired as their accountant after a series of unpaid bills and inaccurate receipts.

It hurts because the children are getting less than they should. We worked so hard to give back to them," said co-owner Bernie Bock-Davis.

In other reports provided by police, two other owners of companies claim to be victims of Bookman: a flooring company reported $71,000 missing; a fitness company reports more than $20,000 missing, as well. 

Anyone who believes they could be a victim of Bookman is asked to call Suwanee Police.