Iowa County Woman Makes Initial Appearance on Felony Theft Charges

DODGEVILLE - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that on August 31, 2010, Melanie Erickson of Ridgeway made an initial appearance in Iowa County Circuit Court on felony theft charges of defrauding her employer, Quantum Devices, Inc., where she was employed as the vice president of finance. The initial appearance was held before the Honorable George Curry, acting as reserve judge.

The charges, which include multiple felony counts, arose out of an investigation by the Iowa County Sheriff's Department.

Erickson, age 57, is charged with four felony counts of theft for intentionally deceiving her employer, Quantum Devices, Inc. through false representation of funds and embezzlement.

Erickson faces maximum penalties of: fifteen years in prison and a $10,000 fine, or both on one felony count and ten years in prison and a $25,000 fine, or both on two felony counts, and three years and six months in prison and a $10,000 fine or both on one felony count. The charges are merely accusations. Erickson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Erickson was released on a signature bond. The matter has been scheduled for a status conference on September28, 2010, at 10:30 a.m.

Assistant Attorney General Erik Peterson represents the state as special prosecutor for Iowa County in this case.