Woman admits $75G theft from Randolph dentist

A mother of three whose family received an outpouring of financial support when their Randolph home burned down in May admitted Tuesday to stealing $75,000 over a three-year period while employed at a dentist's office.

Sabra Aschenbrenner, 46, was charged Tuesday with theft by unlawful taking and pleaded guilty at the same time to the charge before state Superior Court Judge Stephen Taylor in Morristown.  Authorities said the theft investigation  started months ago.

Dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, Aschenbrenner admitted to the judge that she stole $75,000 between February 10, 2010, and January  2013 from her former employer in Randolph.  Authorities identified the employer as a dentist for whom Aschenbrenner worked, but the victim's name was not disclosed.

The judge queried Aschenbrenner on how she stole the money, and she replied that she used the victim's credit cards to purchase items.

Assistant  Morris County Prosecutor Michael Rappa has recommended that Aschenbrenner be sentenced on Jan. 15 to five years' probation and full restitution.  Aschenbrenner has agreed to repay the entire $75,000 before or on the day of sentencing.

Aschenbrenner and her family were the recipients of $22,403 raised through a GoFundMe site established by a concerned resident of Randolph after the Aschenbrenner family's home on South Road burned down on May 24 while the family was away for the Memorial Day holiday.

A fire official previously said the blaze was not criminal in nature and appeared to have originated in the garage.  The family dog, Bogey, perished in the fire.

   Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@GannettNJ.com.