Former bookkeeper accused of stealing more than $250,000 from her Pueblo West employer

A former bookkeeper accused of embezzling more than $250,000 from a Pueblo West flooring business was arrested Thursday after a nearly 2½ year investigation by Pueblo County sheriff’s detectives. 

Lisa Kay Baker, 52, was arrested on suspicion of felony theft and identity theft. She was initially booked into the Pueblo County jail without bond, pending her virtual advisement late Friday afternoon. 

Baker, who worked as a longtime bookkeeper for P&A Inc. Flooring and Painting, 631 E. Industrial Blvd. in Pueblo West, is accused of using company credit cards to buy more than $212,000 in personal services, groceries, clothing and online purchases over a four-year period, according to a press release from the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office.

The company’s owners first alerted detectives in January 2020 about the suspicious charges. 

Investigators also discovered that two additional credit cards belonging to the business had been used for another $41,000 in unauthorized charges. Detectives allege Baker made more than $253,000 in unauthorized purchases with company cards.

Baker is scheduled for an initial court appearance Thursday. 

Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime. 

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Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.