defalcation

2. A shortage or deficit in an amount of money, especially one caused by theft or error.

The audit revealed a defalcation of several thousand dollars in the accounts.

3. The failure to account for or pay over money that one has received in an official capacity.

The clerk was dismissed for defalcation of the collected fees.

4. In law, the act of a public official or trustee wrongfully taking money entrusted to them.

The statute covers defalcation by public officers.