Utah woman charged with theft for 'stealing' vacation time

A Salt Lake County woman has been charged with theft for allegedly cashing out 200 hours in vacation pay from her employer — 160 more hours than she was allowed.

Prosecutors charged the 37-year-old woman with one count of third-degree felony on Monday in Salt Lake City's 3rd District Court. If convicted, the woman faces a prison term of up to five years.

Court papers say the Murray woman worked as a payroll manager for B. Jackson Construction. The company allowed its employees 40 hours of vacation time, which could be taken as time away from work, or cashed out as pay.

Prosecutors say company records show that between December 2011 and November 2012, the payroll manager cashed out 200 hours of vacation pay, paying herself more than $3,100. The amount was $2,480 more than she was allowed, court papers say.

Court papers say the woman told a West Jordan police investigator that she did not realize she had used so much vacation.

A judge issued a warrant for the woman's arrest on Monday. An initial court appearance is set for Thursday.

Court papers do not indicate whether the woman has an attorney.

-jdobner@sltrib.com