Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 24, 1994                   TAG: 9402240044
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By LAURENCE HAMMACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

EX-TAP WORKER GUILTY OF THEFT

Testimony showed that after an investigation began, Gloria Perkins falsified documents in an attempt to conceal her actions.

In convicting Perkins of grand larceny by embezzlement, Roanoke Circuit Judge Roy Willett stressed that the money she took was meant to help poor people.

"Of all monies that should be carefully handled, it seems to me that these are ones that should be," Willett said.

Anastosia Metts, an assistant at TAP who admitted she helped Perkins make a false accounting of the missing money, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of petty larceny by embezzlement.

Perkins had been offered a chance to plead guilty to the same misdemeanor charge, but declined. She now faces up to 20 years in prison, and will be sentenced April 18.

Perkins, 47, was director of TAP's employment and training program, which offers instruction for high school equivalency diplomas, computer skills and basic literacy.

Chief Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Betty Jo Anthony said most of the missing money was from a fund for a yearbook to be published for graduates of the job-training program.

Perkins also was accused of taking money from a cap-and-gown fund for the graduation ceremony, and of making about $250 in unauthorized long-distance telephone calls.

Metts, 33, testified that after employees went to state police with suspicions that money was missing, she met Perkins at her home and agreed to help cover up the crimes.

"We falsified receipts," she testified. "I loved her like a mother and said I would be totally faithful to her."

Anthony said that Metts took only a small amount of money, but was clearly involved in concealing the thefts. Both women have paid all the money back to TAP.

In testimony Wednesday, Perkins admitted making some personal long-distance calls but denied taking any money from the graduation accounts.

Defense attorney Richard Lawrence said Perkins was a dedicated but overworked employee. She may not have used perfect accounting practices, he said, but that shouldn't make her actions a crime.

"She was just doing the best she could under the circumstances," he said.

TAP officials have said the money involved in the embezzlement did not go through the anti-poverty agency's regular budget. Since the scheme was discovered, TAP President Ted Edlich said, steps have been taken to assure the same thing will not happen again.