Bookkeeper charged with embezzlement

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island State Police say the long-time bookkeeper for a physician in Johnston has been arrested and charged with embezzling more than $650,000 from his neurological practice.
   
Police said Stephen Marano was arrested at his North Providence home on Friday and charged with embezzlement and forgery.
   
Authorities say he forged the name of the doctor for whom he worked as a bookkeeper and office manager to open an unauthorized checking account to which he was diverting insurance payments. He allegedly wrote numerous checks to himself and made several cash withdrawals for personal use since 2006. The doctor filed a complaint with state police in March.
   
Police say Marano was arraigned in District Court on Friday and released on $10,000 personal recognizance.
   
A message was left for Marano.