Justin McKeone, the ex-husband of former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly Rogers, disappeared last month amid allegations of embezzlement. McKeone, who was working as a financial manager at a Melbourne firm, is accused of stealing almost $500,000 from his employer. The 37-year-old failed to appear in court on December 5 to respond to a civil application for a freeze order on his assets. Instead, court documents revealed he had packed his bags and traveled to Western Australia, where he now resides in Scarborough. McKeone has engaged the legal services of Galbally & O’Bryan, the same firm representing a murder accused. He is also reportedly linked to Tahnee Leeson, a contestant from The Bachelor Australia 2021, with whom he has a complicated relationship.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
McKeone joined Rocket Brands earlier this year as the Head of Finance on a $200,000 annual salary. However, just weeks into his probationary period, concerns were raised about his erratic behavior. Rocket Brands director Matthew Holmes alleged that McKeone confessed to the theft during a meeting in mid-October, attributing it to a drug addiction. The company sought an extension of the freeze order on McKeone’s assets to include any hidden international accounts. Despite assurances, McKeone failed to comply with a disclosure notification, prompting Rocket Brands to request an interlocutory judgment against him for full restitution and legal costs.
Embezzlement Scheme
Court documents revealed that McKeone disguised unauthorized transactions as legitimate supplier payments, diverting funds to his personal account. He allegedly manipulated invoices to reflect payments to suppliers while redirecting money to his Westpac account. The alleged embezzlement was concealed in Rocket’s financial statements as ‘historical adjustments,’ complicating the identification of missing funds. The company reported the theft to Victoria Police, leading to an ongoing investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Future Trial
In the civil case, Rocket Brands is seeking full restitution from McKeone for the alleged breach of his managerial duties. The company described his actions as calculated and damaging, causing significant financial losses. The freezing order on McKeone’s assets was extended until April next year, with the case expected to proceed to trial. McKeone has not publicly responded to the allegations, maintaining a low profile since the revelations.
