Former employer sues convicted former employee for damages

A local business has filed a civil lawsuit against a former employee who was convicted of stealing their money that exceed court-ordered restitution.
Lori McKenzie had pleaded guilty to aggravated theft from Werlor Waste Control in March and was placed on community control for five years in common pleas court. She also was ordered to make restitution of $126,000 for funds she stole from Werlor while employed there from 2011-15.
Last week in Defiance County Common Pleas Court, Werlor Waste Control filed a civil suit against Lori McKenzie, asking for a judgment of $378,000 as well as interest and costs.
The suit notes that “plaintiff brings this civil action … to recover damages from defendant who committed a theft offense. … Plaintiff elects to recover from the defendant liquidated damages of three times the value of the property that was subject to the theft offense … .”
“The amount that was requested and agreed upon on the restitution in the criminal case was in no way precluding or binding the company from seeking additional damages,” said Defiance County Prosecutor Morris Murray. “Our restitution figure was not necessarily the end-all to what they (Werlor) may claim as damages.”