Tiverton police charged a Portsmouth woman with felony embezzlement after she allegedly admitted to stealing about $60,000 from Viti Mercedes.

Dawn M. Gregoire, 42, of 81 Metacomet St., Portsmouth, was arrested following a nearly month-long investigation where detectives worked in tandem with Viti Mercedes management and accountants to pinpoint a culprit for missing funds.

On Nov. 1, Det. Brendan McKinnon received complaint from Viti Mercedes stating that they believed an employees was stealing money from the business. Viti initially began investigating missing funds internally in September after realizing money was missing.

"The detective met with management and several accountants who said they felt one of their employees, who was employed as a cashier in service department, had been involved in theft of money for a period of time," said Capt. Patrick Jones, Tiverton's public information officer.

Gregoire, an employee of more than seven years, was identified as the culprit after audits found significant amounts of cash missing as well as shortages in the service department. Gregoire allegedly resigned from Viti Mercedes in an Oct. 1 email.

During police questioning, Gregoire allegedly admitted to stealing approximately $1,000 per month over five years. Although Gregoire was estimating, that would total roughly $60,000.

According to Jones, a precise dollar amount on how much money Gregoire actually embezzled would not be available until after a forensic audit is completed and the case is referred to the state Attorney General's Office.

Gregoire was charged with one felony count embezzlement of more than $100 on Nov. 29. She was arraigned recently in Second Division District Court and released on personal recognizance.