Ex-Colo. revenue worker says she stole for love

updated 2:49 p.m. ET July 16, 2009

DENVER - A former Colorado Department of Revenue supervisor says love for her ex-boyfriend led her to steal $11 million in unclaimed tax refunds from the state.

The ex-boyfriend, Hysear Randell, is on trial in Denver this week on charges of theft, forgery, computer crime and racketeering.

On Wednesday, Michelle Cawthra testified that she deposited unclaimed tax refunds and other money in Randell's bank accounts over two years by forging documents and creating fake businesses. She said she frequently used computer passwords of other workers so she wouldn't be detected.

"I did things I don't think I otherwise would have done had I not been in love with him," she testified.

Randell, who is married, is accused of using the money to pay for delinquent child support, land deals, diamond jewelry, cars and business ventures.

Aside from some jewelry and trips, Cawthra, 32, said she didn't benefit from the money she stole.

Defense lawyer Scott Reisch said Randell, 42, thought the money was coming from a Cawthra family trust fund. He argued Cawthra tried to use the money to lure Randell away from his wife, Trudy Randell.

Cawthra said she didn't have a trust fund. She admitted trying to get Randell to leave his wife but said he knew the money was coming from the state.

Cawthra is serving a 24-year prison term after pleading guilty to racketeering. She testified as part of a plea deal with prosecutors that could help reduce her sentence.

Trudy Randell has pleaded guilty to theft but hasn't been sentenced.

More from msnbc.com Long-term jobless face frayed safety net Latest defective product from China: Drywall Brits put Cold War bunker on protected list Countdown begins for NASA's uncertain future How NBC got its '89 Berlin Wall scoop Analysis: GOP set to roll next year? Not so fast On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS

Crime & courts Section Front

Ex-NYC top cop Kerik pleads guilty Tot missing for 5 days found alive under bed   Feds: 14 charged in insider trading case Newsweek: SCOTUS takes up juvenile life sentences Death house: Nightmare hid on Ohio street Source: Guilty plea for ex-NY top cop Kerik Report: Garrido improperly supervised Chimp victim to sue state for $150 million Officials: Big jump in Calif. pot plants seized Police: Teen missing since 1954 was slain Crime & courts Section Front   Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: