Embezzlement: A True Crime Story

by Kevin Cross

In the 1980s, nineteen–year–old Kevin Cross got a job working as an accountant for Nick Navarro, one of the most powerful and influential sheriffs in the country. Kevin and his friend Paul, a teller at a local bank, hatch an intricate scheme to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from the famous lawman. Their plan works to perfection until the Mafia catches wind and threatens to kill them unless they embezzle more. Kevin and Paul must find a way to pay off the mob, cover their tracks, and balance their chaotic lives.

227 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2010

Reviews

[Carol Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent story of a man who went from taking all he could get by embezzling to a man who gave away all he could! After he started reading the Bible in prison, because there was nothing else there he wanted to read, he was converted. He paid back all that he had stolen and worked hard to finish his education. He started an accounting service, mostly because he couldn't find employment because of his record. In this position, he gave away free services one day a week. Eventually he became a financial counselor through Larry Burkett's ministry. This is a very inspiring story of a very humble man who served the Lord to the best of his ability.

[Pam Gowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Kevin speak and share his story at a weekend conference. It was an amazing conversion and transformation story! He was giving this book away so I took it and read in on the plane ride home, Even though I had heard him speak and thus knew the ending, it was still a page turner! A most phenomenal story of the humbling of a man and the powerful results when he chooses to follow Christ's way instead of his own. I found it convicting and yet encouraging because his God is my God!

Highly recommend!

[JM · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book/ Cross' story is very enlightening and entertaining. He is very candid about his thoughts and feelings regarding his past life and subsequent conversion. I highly recommend this book to many who are struggling with their faith.

[Daniel Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin Cross' "Embezzlement" is a short, enjoyable, and emotional story. It only took me two days to read the book - I couldn't stop reading! Kevin Cross was both extremely insecure and extremely gifted. He could have easily climbed the corporate ladder and lived a very comfortable life but instead used his skills to embezzle money from one of the most well-known sheriffs in Flordia. He got away with it for a long time - but the consequences almost led to his death. Cross became an alcoholic who was desperate for pleasure - desperate to fit in with a society that he could only impress by flaunting wealth. After spending a week in prison, Cross' life changed drastically. He still struggled with his own gods but eventually turned his life around completely and dedicated himself to helping other people find a way out of their own financial hellholes. Cross' story deals with the themes of crime and consequences, the pursuit of happiness, and death of self. For a while, Cross had (or thought he had) everything. He had endless money, sex, and alcohol. But it was not enough. Seeking earthly pleasures will only take you so far. If one quote had to be used to summarize the book, it would be this: "God promises to meet our needs, not our greeds" (191).

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The part about his embezzlement was interesting (because I wouldn't know where to start), but the rest was meh, a little preachy, ho-hum reader. But it's a true story so I feel bad criticizing.

[John x · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautiful. I loved it because it wasn't things that wouldn't apply to me, it was real life that most people will have to deal with at some point. I really love how this man did the book and made every story with miracles that actually happened (and being able to prove some on his website as well) but man was this a GOOD BOOK.

I am not one for stories that are non-fictional and really hate it when there is no action in a book. But Embezzlement was filled with interesting stories and even had some action and suspense in it so that, even someone like me, can enjoy this book with eagerness.

I am a Christian and when this book deals with money, i think of how i spend mine, which is mostly on explicit video games that i need to hide from my mom. But now, im thinking that isn't what God is calling me to do with the money because of the meaningful words in this book.

This book is so good and it isn't a lecture, it is a great book for anyone that is struggling.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing the author and who he is today as the story he tells from whence he came is irreconcilable. This is an amazing transformation of greed and inner conflict but more than that of God’s unspeakable love and grace.
Kevin is a loving and generous man who spends his time serving- what could have been many years in prison- now his Lord and many the people who need him.

[Jennifer Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing riches-to-rags-to-riches story about how our own lives and the lives of others around us can be impacted in amazingly incredible ways when we use our gifts for good, and trust the God that breathed life into us. Wow!!