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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Danielle Steel Aide 'Fesses to $400K Ripoff

Author claims assistant stole $2.7M

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(Newser) – A long-time assistant has pleaded guilty to embezzling $400,000 from best-selling romance queen Danielle Steel. Kristy Watts admitted depositing checks for Steel into her own bank account and using the author's credit card points to obtain gifts and airline tickets. Steel, who has written 76 best-selling novels, claims Watts defrauded her of $2.7 million and has filed a civil suit against her.

Author Danielle Steel and her daughters (from left) Victoria, Samantha and Vanessa arrive at a pre-Grammy party in Manhattan.
Author Danielle Steel and her daughters (from left) Victoria, Samantha and Vanessa arrive at a pre-Grammy party in Manhattan.   (Getty Images)
Danielle Steel - One Day at a Time.
Danielle Steel - One Day at a Time.   (PRNewsFoto/Danielle Steel)
In this June 17, 2008 file photo, author Danielle Steel poses for a photo after her appearance on the
In this June 17, 2008 file photo, author Danielle Steel poses for a photo after her appearance on the "Today" show in New York.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew, file)
In this June 17, 2008 file photo, author Danielle Steel is shown during her appearance on the
In this June 17, 2008 file photo, author Danielle Steel is shown during her appearance on the "Today" show in New York.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew, file)
Danielle Steel.
Danielle Steel.   (PRNewsFoto/Danielle Steel, Brigitte Lacombe)
In this June 17, 2008 file photo, author Danielle Steel poses for a photo after her appearance on the
In this June 17, 2008 file photo, author Danielle Steel poses for a photo after her appearance on the "Today" show in New York.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew, file)
Author Danielle Steel arrives at pre-Grammy Gala in New York in 2003.
Author Danielle Steel arrives at pre-Grammy Gala in New York in 2003.   (Getty Images)
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