Embezzlement is a unique crime in that it is defined in multiple federal statutes; and, within each of these statutes, the offense can take several forms. For example, 18 U.S.C. Section 641, defines the crime of embezzlement as follows:
'Whoever embezzles, steals, purloins, or knowingly converts to his use or the use of another, or without authority, sells, conveys or disposes of any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States or of any department or agency thereof, or any property made or being made under contract for the United States or any department or agency thereof; or
'Whoever receives, conceals, or retains the same with intent to convert it to his use or gain, knowing it to have been embezzled, stolen, purloined or converted [shall be guilty of embezzlement].'
Other sections of the U.S. Code contain similarly broad definitions. As a result, when facing an embezzlement charge, it is imperative to work with experienced defense counsel who can attack the specific allegations against you.