Embezzlement Charges Dropped Against Marin Official

Napa, CA — Grand theft and embezzlement charges against a Marin man who worked as bookkeeper for a Napa winery were dismissed in Napa County Superior Court in May, a Napa County prosecutor said Wednesday.

The charges against Peter Winkler, 61, of Tiburon, were dismissed at the request of the Napa County District Attorney's Office by Judge Patricia Tisher on May 27, Deputy District Attorney Gary Van Camp said Wednesday morning.

Winkler was alleged to have embezzled more than $950.

The charges were dismissed in the interest of justice because there was not enough evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, Van Camp said.

Winkler, chair of the Tiburon Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission, was charged with embezzlement and grand theft while he was a bookkeeper for the Thomas Knoll Winery between October 2013 and October 2015.

Napa police Lt. Patrick Manzer said Winkler was suspected of withdrawing $30,000 from the winery's business accounts.

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The business owners confronted Winkler about the missing money and Winkler was arrested in Marin County. He posted bail and was released.

Napa police sent their investigation of the case to the Napa County District Attorney's Office in January, Manzer said.

Winkler did not return a phone call or email for comment Wednesday.

— Bay City News Service

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