Markuski said Moran has no previous criminal record, and he called the state's request for prison time "excessive." He asked for a sentence of five years or less.
Moran and the Rosas became friends through their children's equestrian activities in 1994. Five years later, Stephen Rosa hired Moran to manage his firm's office, according to testimony.
When Rosa opened a second office in Columbia, Moran was placed in charge of the Ellicott City office, which was then next to the Rosa family home.
The thefts devastated the Rosas and their business, Stephen Rosa said in a written victim statement.
"The result brought Monterey Bay to its knees and prevented us from pursuing an expansion opportunity that could have resulted in very rewarding jobs for Maryland professionals," he wrote. "We have lost faith that people can be trusted at their word and this has made it hard for us to consider reconstituting the company. Ms. Moran effectively killed that dream."
Moran could be eligible for parole in three years.
larry.carson@baltsun.com
