Eric Levine, former executive director of the Congregation Beth El synagogue in La Jolla, has reported to federal prison to start his 18-month sentence for embezzlement.
Levine, 37, is now at the Lompoc medium security penitentiary in Santa Barbara County. He was told to report to prison by Nov. 14, and he could have surrendered earlier while being free on $25,000 bond.
Levine has been ordered to pay restitution of $470,500 by U.S. District Court Judge Dana Sabraw following an agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Synagogue members filled the courtroom on Sept. 19 and heard details about the embezzlement Levine had conducted during his eight years with the temple. Levine used temple funds to pay for expensive vacations, leather furniture, jewelry, men’s clothing and a personal fitness trainer.
Sabraw signed the restitution order that specifies Levine should pay $208,000 to the synagogue and $100,000 to Philadelphia Insurance Companies, which insured the temple.
Levine was also ordered to pay $162,000 to Chase Bank, also considered a victim as Levine used temple funds to pay his personal Chase-issued credit card accounts. Sabraw wrote that Levine must pay Congregation Beth El before the other two firms.
Levine must report his income while in prison. He will have to pay 50 percent of his income, or $25 per quarter, whichever is greater, toward the debts. After he is paroled, he will start making payments of at least $300 per month, according to court documents.