I really tried to give her the benefit of doubt. I'm glad she's safe, but IMHO 1) she has "issues" and needs help, 2) she's immature and made a stupid decision to hide, but needs to become an adult and come clean, 3) she knew she was under investigation for theft and this was an attempt to deflect attention away from that -- or any combination of the three.
In my dream world, if a person willfully* creates a situation in which financial resources are spent (wasted), they should have to do some sort of restitution or community services. Obviously, she wouldn't be able to pay the six-figures, but it would be a start and perhaps deter someone else from pulling a similar stunt. (*by "willfully" I do not mean someone who have psychological/mental issues.) JMHO