Insurer seeks $50K from worker who allegedly embezzled

An insurance company was forced to pay a non-profit more than $50,000 after one of its employees allegedly embezzled the money from it, according to recently filed court documents.

Philadelphia Insurance Companies filed a lawsuit Dec. 9 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Gwendolyn Gore.

In its complaint, Philadelphia Insurance Companies claims it paid the Independence Center $54,297.13 after Gore allegedly stole the money from it. Gore had been working at Independence Center and was responsible for receiving, administering and disbursing money to various participants and vendors, according to the complaint. From June 3, 2004, through Aug. 31, 2011, Gore pocketed more than $50,000 without the Independence Center’s permission, the suit states.

When Independence Center discovered the loss, it submitted a claim with Philadelphia Insurance Companies, asking to be reimbursed the money, the complaint says. The insurance company disbursed the funds to Independence Center and is now seeking the money from Gore.

Paul M. Orenic of Weltman, Weinberg and Reis in Chicago will be representing it.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-611.