![Marlaphylissstevensx390_0](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/marlaphylissstevensx390-0.jpg?id=32717505&width=1200&height=876)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Phyllis Stevens, who embezzled more than $6 million from Aviva USA, was sentenced on Friday to six years in prison. Her wife, Marla Stevens, who claimed to have "no conscious knowledge of the crime," received a sentence of just more than three years.
The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Ronald Longstaff after Phyllis admitted guilt but blamed her actions on mental disorders caused by childhood abuse. Marla admitted only to spending large sums of money, including over $400,000 in room service at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas.
Longstaff said the sentences were based on the amount of money stolen and how it was spent. "When you steal $6 million, you are going to jail, and you are going to go for a long time," he said.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas Klinefeldt agreed. "These sentences show that so-called 'white collar' offenses are serious crimes, and that committing these crimes can bring severe consequences," he said. "Phyllis and Marla Stevens lived a lavish lifestyle on stolen money, and now they are going to pay the price."
Phyllis Stevens blamed her actions on a dissociative identity disorder, and said an alter ego known as Peter was the one who'd taken the money.
Read the full story here.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
How 'Skincare' tackles women's aging, consent, and othering a queer-coded Latino
September 04 2024 8:00 PM
Here are the 25 transgender Americans lost to violence so far this year
September 04 2024 3:35 PM
Ben Platt marries Noah Galvin in New York celebration
September 04 2024 3:15 PM
53 years ago, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell became the first same-sex couple to wed
September 04 2024 2:27 PM
Even Republicans are against Tennessee’s trans health ban
September 04 2024 1:05 PM
And they're off! 8 things to watch for as the 2024 presidential election kicks into high gear
September 04 2024 10:00 AM
Tim Walz to honor LGBTQ+ community at Human Rights Campaign National Dinner (exclusive)
September 04 2024 9:00 AM
A Virginia college bans transgender students — based on language from the year 1900
September 04 2024 5:39 AM
Harris campaign, others call out Trump for holding events in towns with racist histories
September 04 2024 4:57 AM
Candace Owens claims TikTok makes men gay and causes women to hate them
September 03 2024 6:27 PM
16 LGBTQ+ movies & TV shows to watch in September 2024
September 03 2024 4:21 PM
Transphobic Texas Democrat finds home for bigotry in state Republican Party
September 03 2024 4:07 PM