Worker stole $421,000 from record label in NYC

NEW YORK – New York City prosecutors say a former payroll manager embezzled about $421,000 at a record label that features rock artists ranging from Megadeth to the Steve Miller Band.

Sharanda Houser on Friday pleaded not guilty to grand larceny and falsifying business records. She's being held on $25,000 bail.

The Manhattan district attorney says the 35-year-old Houser stole from Roadrunner Records for six years before being fired for unrelated reasons last year. Prosecutors say she submitted bogus expenses in executives' names and had the reimbursements wired to her.

Defense lawyer Montell Figgins says he wants to have a forensic accountant investigate.

Prosecutors say Houser was convicted in 1999 of stealing $13,000 from an employer in Virginia. She got probation. Figgins says she paid restitution.

Roadrunner Records hasn't responded to an email seeking comment.