NCJ Number
137608
Date Published
1992
Length
85 pages
Annotation
Offenders convicted of financially motivated, nonviolent crimes were studied to determine their characteristics, the offense characteristics, and the relationships between the offenders and their offenses.
Abstract
Data were collected through structured interviews with 136 male offenders convicted of such crimes and incarcerated in four correctional institutions operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Results revealed that the majority of offenders were raised in what might be considered traditional, middle-class homes. They also generally had white-collar occupations and stable employment histories. Alcohol and drug abuse and gambling were not major factors for most of the offenders. Eighty-four percent were employed at the time of their offense, and 47 percent said that their crime was employment-related. Most offenders did not plan their crimes, but took advantage of an opportunity and gave no thought to avoiding detection. The amount obtained illegally averaged $13,400 per month, nearly twice their average legitimate monthly income. Overall, these offenders were not involved in financially motivated crimes to meet basic personal living expenses. Instead, they used the money for legal and illegal extras and to enjoy a lifestyle beyond their legitimate means, especially if the crime was connected with their employment. Tables, figures, appended study instrument, and 34 references