embezzle - To secretly take money that is in your care or that belongs to an organization or business you work for

The accountant was convincted of having embezzled money from the company, people were surprised that he had been doing it for 10 years before it was discovered.
stride - Progress or advancement: A significant step forward in development or improvement; or a long step or pace: A way of walking with long, decisive steps.

The Supreme Court's decision was a signfication stride in the movement towards desegretation.