Trusted employee accused of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars to feed gambling addiction

WESTLAND, Mich. (WXYZ) - Bette Wicker was a trusted employee, working for Rod Harris at his Sunoco Gas station in Westland for 23 years. But Wicker, 61, is now accused of ripping off tens of thousands of dollars to feed a gambling addiction.

In a letter obtained by 7 Action News, Wicker wrote that she and a friend used the stolen money to "go to the casino and stay there till we lost it all."

Westland Police are handling the case and investigators say Wicker is expected to turn herself in next week to face one count of Embezzlement.

Bette Wicker's husband told 7 Action News that they are not prepared to comment on the case.

"She was like family," said Rod Harris about Wicker who would even babysit his children over the years.

Harris has owned the Sunoco on the corner of Cherry Hill and Newburgh for nearly 30 years. He believes Wicker has been stealing from his small gas station and repair shop for years.

In late 2011, Harris began taking a close look at invoices and cash flow. He believes Wicker's alleged actions may have put his small business about $250,000 in the hole.

Matthew Harris, 17, says they are devastated and that Wicker was like "a grandmother."

Rod Harris is thankful for his loyal customers and suspects it will take years to financially recover from Wicker's alleged theft.