Toowoomba woman Melissa Gittins accused of fraud, stealing $100,000+ from her employer

A Toowoomba bookkeeper is under investigation for allegedly stealing more than $100,000 from her employer, which has serviced Darling Downs communities since the 80s.

Toowoomba police have charged Melissa Louise Gittins with fraudulently and dishonestly gaining a benefit of at least $100,000 from her employer. Picture: Adobe Stock

Queensland Police forensic accounts are investigating a Toowoomba woman accused of stealing more than $100,000 from her Southern Downs employer.

The former bookkeeper of DJ Tree Services, Melissa Louise Gittins, has been charged with fraudulently and dishonestly gaining a benefit of at least $100,000 from her employer.

Her charge was mentioned before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 26, however she was not required to appear in person.

Melissa Louise Gittins has been charged with fraudulently and dishonestly gaining a benefit of at least $100,000 from her employer.

Ms Gittins was represented by solicitor Paul Little, who said he had received a brief of evidence from police prosecution.

Mr Little said he intended to submit an application to the court to cross-examine two witnesses – Ms and Mr Distant.

Police prosecutor Isabella Schmidt said there may be no need for the application to be made, as police may not be opposed to the hearing, and asked Mr Little to send the order to her office for consideration.

Ms Schmidt asked for a lengthy adjournment, noting a forensic accountant was yet to review the case.

Acting magistrate Mark Whitbread warned Ms Schmidt that the forensic accounting process could take some time.

“You would want to get into it,” he said.

He adjourned the matter to be heard before the court on August 21.

Originally published as Toowoomba woman Melissa Gittins accused of fraud, stealing $100,000+ from her employer