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EL DORADO County Public Defender Robert Banning, left, confers with former president of the El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff's Association Donald Atkinson in Superior Court Wednesday. Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
The case of Donald Atkinson was brought to a close on Aug. 29 with all the restitution and property disposal details worked out and approved by El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Douglas Phimister.
Atkinson is the former president of the El Dorado County Deputy Sheriffs Association who was convicted of three charges of felony embezzlement, felony theft from an elder or dependent adult, and perjury. On July 30, Atkinson was sentenced to five years in state prison for his crimes. He previously waived his right to appeal.
The case was jointly tried by county and state prosecutors. Presenting the final settlement to Judge Phimister for approval was Ronald Smetana, senior assistant state attorney general in the Special Crimes Unit for the California Department of Justice. He said that the total amount of restitution came to $438,348.
Of that amount, $100,000 is owed to Lise Lotte Holzer for a loan Atkinson obtained from her under false pretenses. The remaining $338,348 is owed to the Deputy Sheriffs Association.
A previous withdrawal of $56,000 in funds by Atkinson, that were later seized by prosecutors, will be split between Holzer and Atkinson’s wife, Sandra.
The court hearing finalized the return of property seized during a search warrant of Atkinson’s home. Some of the property belonged to the Deputy Sheriffs Association.
The agreement also worked out the details of how restitution payments of $1,000 per month would be deducted from Atkinson’s bank account. The money comes from retirement benefits paid into Atkinson’s account.
Smetana said it was rare to get restitution payments and they had the opportunity in this case to get something for the victims.
Contact Dawn Hodson at 530-344-5071 or dhodson@mtdemocrat.net. Follow @DHodsonMtDemo on Twitter.
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Wyatt EarpAugust 31, 2012 - 11:54 am
What's with the smirk Donny? Have you no shame in what you did to yourself and others? I trusted you and respected you. The thing I can't get past is you pocketed money meant for our fallen brothers families. You REALLY suck for that. You have disgraced Law Enforcement!
Jane DoeSeptember 11, 2012 - 11:05 pm
All you supposedly righteous people make me sick. You all sit back so damn opinionated with the Holy innocent attitudes. This department is disgustingly dirty to the core from the top down and you figured out a way to have someone take the fall for you all. Funny. You all revel in your so called victory to break him when you did nothing of the sort. Don is just taking the hit for a dirty department's so called "respectable law enforcement officers" while you all sit back fat and happy. Sleep well and with one eye open. Karma is ruthless and unforgiving!
Wyatt EarpSeptember 12, 2012 - 1:24 pm
Jane, Who are you speaking of? Maybe you won't name the crooks but I find it hard to believe Don is taking a fall for others. I totally agree with you that EDSO is a DISGRACE to LEO's. Not all are bad apples but I saw first hand...some VERY rotten ones here. It would be a real shock if Don was taking a fall. But then again, that's what the mobsters do and gang bangers. I'm hoping to see a trial next year as some blogger wrote earlier, that will include the former (self appointed) sheriff and some if his crooked cronies. The people of this county deserve to have the wrongs, righted.