Journalist who stole $117,000 to gamble gets mercy plea from victims
Sports journalist Christopher Graetz stole $117,000 from the family who hired him and tried to help with his addiction.
Christopher Graetz, 43, lived with David and Christine Ward for 14 months while working as a journalist in Victoria's Wimmera. The Wards, who own the regional media network Wimmera Mallee News, knew Graetz struggled with gambling and offered to help.
Christopher Graetz was charged with stealing $117,000 from multiple sources: $580 from a desk, $500 from Mr Ward's wallet, $700 from the Warracknabeal Herald, and $116,000 from their safe, putting money into betting accounts in increments up to $10,000.
Last week, he pleaded guilty to burglary and four counts of theft. The Wards have asked the court to spare him jail, saying they believe in his chance to recover.
Graetz has already paid back $5,800, spent $20,000 from his superannuation on a four-week rehab program, and attended 26 counselling sessions. He will be sentenced in March 2027.
- $117,000
- Total stolen
- $116,000
- From safe
- 14 months
- Months living at their home
- $5,800
- Already repaid
Why it mattersThe case tests whether compassion from victims can influence sentencing when someone violates deep trust.
AustraliaA Victorian court will decide whether to jail or rehabilitate an employee who stole from the people who showed him mercy.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
