'SVU' actress speaks as victim of real-life theft

NEW YORK (AP) - January 10, 2012

Tunie told a judge Tuesday that her former business manager, Joseph Cilibras, befriended her family and gained her trust to steal from her.

She says "show business is fickle," so she cannot be assured of replacing the roughly $1.4 million he admitted taking.

Cilibrasi was sentenced Tuesday to 2 ½ to 7 ½ years in prison.

He pleaded guilty in November to stealing from Tunie and other clients. They include Kansas City Symphony music director Michael Stern.

Cilibrasi's lawyer, Gerald Shargel, says his client has accepted responsibility and expressed remorse.

Cilibrasi admitted writing checks from Tunie's bank accounts without her permission, among other things.

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