Delta Burke’s Housekeeper Charged in Embezzlement

A former housekeeper for married TV stars Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney was charged Wednesday with stealing more than $10,000 from the couple. Paulette Broughton, 44, was charged with grand theft by embezzlement.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Barbara Murphy said Broughton had worked for Burke and McRaney for a few months as a housekeeper and cook at their Pasadena home, and was given a bank account to use for household expenses.

Between May 22 and July 2, she said Broughton wrote about 30 checks for her own use. Among them, she said, was a check to a weight-loss clinic and checks to bridal and tuxedo shops.

“These clearly were not household expenses,” said the prosecutor. Burke, former star of “Designing Women,” and McRaney, star of “Major Dad,” both on CBS, reported the theft to Pasadena police, who presented evidence to the district attorney. An arraignment date had not been scheduled.