NEW SPRINGFIELD COMPANIES Business owners settle suit in employee theft

The $1 million settlement probably will never be paid.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A New Springfield couple has settled a civil lawsuit against a former employee who stole nearly $500,000 from two companies they own.
Carl and Mary Myers, who own JCM Contracting and MJT Construction, both of New Springfield, filed the lawsuit two years ago in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court against Terri McCambridge, also of New Springfield.
Pleaded guilty
McCambridge had worked for the companies for nine years before she pleaded guilty in April 2002 to stealing more than $485,000 from them. She was sentenced to 60 days in the county jail and placed on probation for three years.
Because restitution was not made a part of the sentencing order, the Myerses filed a civil lawsuit in common pleas court. It was scheduled for trial Monday in the courtroom of Judge Maureen A. Cronin, but it was instead settled out of court.
The settlement calls for McCambridge to pay $1,100,050, and for Bruce Kale, who lived with McCambridge, to pay $200,000. Atty. Dennis DiMartino, who represented McCambridge and Kale, said they probably will not be able to pay.
"They've got no money. They don't have anything of any value," DiMartino said, noting that Kale is unemployed and McCambridge works a part-time job. DiMartino said McCambridge already paid back about $150,000 before she was sentenced.
The settlement is for more than was reported stolen because it includes additional penalties for damages, Mrs. Myers said.
DiMartino said having the settlement in place "is the end of a very frustrating and emotional ordeal," and will bring closure for all involved.
He said that because of the settlement agreement, the Myerses will be entitled to recovery if ever McCambridge or Kale receive a large cash windfall, such lottery winnings or a large inheritance.
"It's more of a paper settlement than anything else," Mrs. Myers said. "It's probably not collectible, but at least it's resolved."
bjackson@vindy.com