Manic Episode: Woman Faces Charges for Embezzlement

Forensic psychiatrist details longstanding symptoms

— A former probation officer accused of embezzling more than $160,000 from her department’s union blamed a manic episode for the impulsive thefts during a mental health diversion hearing.

Fallyn Rollins, 31, faces nine felony counts of grand theft by embezzlement stemming from an 18-month period ending last year.

Authorities filed charges in February after discovering she wrote checks to herself from the union’s trust account. Rollins resigned from her post with the San Luis Obispo County, Calif. Probation Department following the probe.

At hearing in July, her defense attorney Robert Sanger argued Rollins’ condition, diagnosed with symptoms dating to 2011, fueled risky, unthinking behavior.

Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Carolyn Murphy testified that Rollins exhibited severe depression alternating with hypomanic episodes marked by impulsivity, irritability and excessive spending, with no evidence of gambling or substance abuse as factors.

Prosecutors countered that Rollins’ actions showed deliberate planning. The district attorney’s office highlighted bank records showing she withdrew roughly $10,000 monthly around bill due dates, using funds for mortgages, childcare, groceries and even a down payment on a car after weeks of preparation.

In a recorded call played for the court, Rollins told her partner — also a probation officer and the father of her child — that her head was buried in the sand with no way out.

The judge had not yet ruled on the diversion request, which could lead to treatment instead of prison if approved.

Read the full story here: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/crime/article310795070.html