Calfornia Woman Admits To $116K Embezzlment

April G. Hale, 38, formerly of Windsor, California, pleaded no contest to charges she embezzled some $116,000 from the Law Offices of Michael A. Villa where she had been employed as the firm's bookkeeper/office manager. According to reports, Hale made electronic funds transfers to pay for personal expenses such as credit card bills, utility bills and the like. Attorney Villa claimed Hale supported a "lavish lifestyle" through the thefts from his firm. Hale pleaded no-contest to six felonies including one count of grand theft and five of identity theft. She was originally charged in June on 41 felony counts and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 31, 2011.

Read the story here and here.

Former Executive Of Virginia Company Sentenced To 5 Years For $580K Misappropriation

Iraj "Roger" Ahmadian, 54, of Williamsburg, Virginia and Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced to 5 years in prison for misappropriating nearly $580,000 from Dillon Stone Corporation where he had been employed as Executive Vice President. According to authorities, Ahmadian received additional unauthorized paychecks and caused checks to be issued to fictitious subcontractor he created known as Phoenix Tile for his own benefit. The scheme spanned approximately four years, from 2003 to 2007. Ahmadian, who was indicted in February 2010 on 20 counts, plead guilty earlier this year to one felony count of bank fraud and one felony count of tax evasion.

Read the story here, here and here.

Hat tip: Reader Joe.

New York Man Charged With Embezzling $4.5 Million From Columbia University

George Castro, 48, of the Bronx, New York, has been arrested and charged with misappropriating some $4.4 million from Columbia University. According to authorities, Castro added a TD Bank account he controlled to Columbia's authorized electronic payment system and received $3.4 million in October and another $1 million in November. His relationship with the university is unclear at this time. However, the account he controlled was under the name IT Security Solutions LLC.

Developing...

Read the story here and here.

Hat tip: Reader Joe.

Maryland Man Sentenced To 15 Months For $1 Million Embezzlement Conspiracy Against The National Archives

James Clay Whitson, 45, of Nottingham, Maryland, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for embezzling nearly $1 million from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration where he had been employed as property management specialist. According to authorities, Whitson and a co-conspirator, Robert Caleb McCray, 44, of Silver Spring, Maryland, paid McCray's cleaning company for work that was never done or paid inflated rates, pocketing the difference. The two split the proceeds, according to prosecutors. The scheme reportedly spanned more than four years, from July 2002 to September 2006. McCray, who plead guilty in September, is also serving 15 months in prison. Whitson was also ordered to pay $958,280.64 in restitution. The two were originally indicted in August 2007 on 10 fraud counts.

Read the story here and here.

Read the DOJ's original announcement here.

Former Treasurer In Upstate New York Pleads Guilty In $370K Embezzlement Scheme

Gerard J. Whittington, Sr., 67, of Erie County, New York, pleaded guilty to charges he embezzled nearly $370,000 from the Aurora-Colden Fire District where he had served as treasurer. Specifically, Whittington plead guilty today to two counts of second degree grand larceny. Authorities believe Whittington had been embezzling from the federally funded Fire District for at least 8 years, until he was terminated this past summer and used the stolen funds to support his fire truck repair business operating. He allegedly wrote checks to himself, his business or otherwise for his own benefit as well as made unauthorized credit card purchases. Whittington has reportedly paid back some $271,989 but will face prison time and restitution for the remaining amount outstanding.

Read the story here and here.

Florida Woman Indicted In Alleged $113 Million Ponzi Scheme Case

Lydia I. Cladek, 66, of St. Augustine, Florida, has been indicted on charges she bilked investors out of more than $113 million. Cladek, the owner and principal of investment firm Lydia Cladek, Inc., is alleged to have used investment funds to purchase high interest auto loans, then issued promissory notes secured by the vehicles, and used the proceeds to enrich herself and pay off earlier investors. Cladek reportedly was guaranteeing investors a return of up to 20 percent per year in the scheme. The 14 count indictment charges Cladek with wire fraud, mail fraud and conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.

Read the story here, here and here.

Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced In $163K Embezzlement Case

Jill M. Sznajder, 44, of Greene Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 16 months to 7 years in prison for embezzling an admitted $163,120 from Pustelak Masonry, where she had been employed as an administrative assistant. According to authorities, Sznajder issued herself numerous extra weekly paychecks, insurance-premium payments and vendor checks as well as unauthorized pay raises and loans from the company. Sznajder's scheme reportedly spanned an 8 year period, from 2001 through 2009. Pustelak Masonry owner Bill Pustelak believes she actually stole about $256,000, according to his own internal investigation. Sznajder, who plead guilty to one felony count of theft, was originally charged last August. The judge who heard her case, Erie County Judge John Garhart, has yet to decide restitution. Sznajder, apparently an aspiring writer, had the following to say on her Suite101.com membership profile:

I have been writing articles here and there for another up and coming website since October or November of 2006. I never really thought about writing as a means of making money - it started out to be just for fun.

I am 40 years old and stuck in an absolute horrible, dead-end bookkeeping job. I have been looking for another position, but quite frankly, I really don't want to do this type of work anymore. I also work part-time as a Stylist in a local salon. I have had my Cosmetology license for 20 years and this is what I love doing.

I am married, actually it will be 14 years this year (2007), to Mark, and I have one 20 year old son, Joshua, who is in his 2nd year of College at a local University - his major is Psychology. I also have a female, black Cocker Spaniel - she is 3 years old and is just a "peanut". Her name is Tisha Mae and she is my little baby girl.

My family resides in Northwestern Pennsylvania on Lake Erie - where it gets very cold in the winter. We are a somewhat normal family with the same ups and downs that just about every family experiences. Not too normal, and not too dysfunctional - it gives all the members of our extended families (mostly my family) things to gossip about - and they sure are good at that.

Anyway, I want to continue to write my articles and I want to explore some other options as far as writing short stories, etc. to see what I can do with that. If anyone has any suggestions or adivice I welcome you to contact me at bigbrowneyes8407@yahoo.com.

Good luck to you in your writing endeavors.

Jill Sznajder

Read the story here and here.

Duke University Employee In North Carolina Accused Of Embezzling $267K From Institution

John William Cotton, 49, of Raleigh, North Carolina, has been charged with embezzling some $267,000 from Duke University, where he had been employed as head of the Department of Surgery. According to authorities, Cotton used his position to order goods and services for his own personal use as well as cash receipts. Research suggests that Cotton was a registered nurse and nurse clinician at Duke's Department of Surgery.

Read the story here.

California Man Accused Of Embezzling $150K From Armored Car Company; Spends It On Strippers

Orlando Flores, 27, of Ripon, California, has been charged with embezzling nearly $150,000 from Garda Cash Logistics, an armored car company, where he had been employed as a driver. According to authorities, since 2009, Flores stole cash from monies while loading ATM machines in small denominations and spent it at strip clubs. Flores allegedly frequented the Deja Vu Showgirls club in Stockton, California. Authorities believe Flores stole $148,000 in total.

Read the story here, here and here.

Former Executive Director of SunRise Academy In Washington, DC Indicted For Misappropriating $2.4 Million in Federal Funds

Charles Ike Emor, a/k/a Charles Ike Emenogha, 50, of Hyattsville, Maryland, was indicted on charges he misappropriated more than $2.4 million in federal funds earmarked for educational purposes for SunRise Academy where he had served as executive director. According to authorities, over a period of nearly five years, from January 2006 through November 2010, Emor caused funds to be transferred to an entity he had created and controlled called Core Ventures, LLC. According to the indictment, Emor used the ill-gotten gains to enrich himself and support a lavish lifestyle that included college tuition for his son, rent for his ex-wife, and luxury items such as jewelry, watches, artwork, televisions and other electronics, custom clothing, and high-end vehicles. SunRise Academy is a school for learning and emotionally disabled boys. Emor faces up to 87 months in prison if convicted.

Read the story here and here.

Read the DOJ announcement here.

Former Viginia Secretary of Finance Sentenced in $4 Million Embezzlment Scheme

John W. Forbes, II, 54, of Richmond, Virginia, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for embezzling more than $4 million from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission while he had served as Secretary of Finance for the Commonwealth of Virginia. According authorities, Forbes created fictitious entities, including the Community Development Council and International Business Associates, to which he issued some $2.2 million in checks of public funds. He also oversaw a non-profit entity, the Literary Foundation of Virginia, which received $5 million in state grant monies which is also misappropriated from, according to authorities. Forbes must also pay restitution of $4 million.

Read the story here and here.

Former Illinois Bank Manager Charged With $835K Embezzlement

Stephen R. Bradley, 64, of Petersburg, Illinois, was charged with embezzling nearly $835,000 from Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank, a local financial institution where he had served as an executive and bank manager. According to authorities, Bradley's scheme spanned more than 7 years, from January 2003 until March 1, 2010. He had been employed by the bank since 2000. According to the bank, the embezzlement involved the creation of bogus loans. The total amount misappropriated is believed to be $834,945. Bradley faces up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, plus restitution if convicted.

Read the story here and here.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our readers.

Tennessee Mother & Son Charged With Bilking Church $1.5 Million

Barbara D. Whitt, 68, and her son Michael Dean Whitt, 42, both of Morristown, Tennessee, were charged with misappropriating more than $1.5 million from the First Baptist Church in Morristown where she had served as church financial secretary for 47 years. According to authorities, Barbara Whitt issued at least 1,650 checks made out to "cash" pocketing the funds. The thefts are believed to have spanned a period of more than 2 years, from January 2008 until April 2010. Michael Whitt is alleged to have participated in the fraud and benefitted from the ill-gotten proceeds.

Read the story here, here and here.

Update (2/15/11): Barbara Whitt and her son, Michael Whitt, pleaded guilty to charges they embezzled more than $1.5 million from teh First Baptist Church in Morristown. Barbara Whitt pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering and Michael Whitt pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to launder money.

Update (9/2/11): Whitt, now 70, was sentenced to 44 months in prison.

New Mexico Couple Indicted For Misappropriating $270K From Bank

Anthony Michael Moya, 34, and Eunice Brenda Moya, 37, husband and wife, both residents of Santa Fe, New Mexico, were indicted on charges they misappropriated nearly $270,000 from CitiFinancial, Inc., where Anthony had been branch manager. According to the indictment, over a period from June 2004 to October 2005, the Moyas recruited "nominee" or straw borrowers who signed loan documents the proceeds of which they then misappropriated. They each face up to 30 years in prison, plus a fine of $1 million and restitution.

Read the story here and here.

Read the DOJ announcement here.

Read the indictment here.

Update (12/8/11): Anthony Moya, now 35, pleaded guilty to misapplication of funds by a bank official as part of a plea agreement.  The plea agreement included dropping charges against Moya's wife, Eunice Moya.

Six Executives Of Missouri Based Funeral Concern Indicted For Allegedly Diverting $600 Million

Six executives of Clayton, Missouri-based National Prearranged Services Inc. were indicted on charges they diverted as much as $600 million from fees paid by customers for pre-paid funeral services, for their own benefit. The six include James Douglas Cassity, 64, of Clayton; his son, Brent Douglas Cassity, 43, also of Clayton; Randall K. Sutton, 65, of Chesterfield; Sharon Nekol Province, 66, of Ballwin; Howard A. Wittner, 73, of Chesterfield; and David R. Wulf, 58, of St. Louis County. The 50 count indictment alleges mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, insurance fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and conspiracy and seeks recovery of the funds and the seizure of numerous luxury items and property, including a 36-foot boat and jewelry, and various condominiums, homes and other properties in Missouri, California, Florida and Nantucket, Massachusetts. The funds paid by clients which should have been held in trust, were allegedly diverted by the defendants through numerous mail, wire and other transfers over a ten year period dating back to at least 1998 until 2008.

Read the story here, here and here.

Read the DOJ announcement here.

Hat tip: Reader Nicole.

Georgia Attorney Sentenced For Embezzling $340K From Law Firm

Steven Evan Zagoria, 59, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for embezzling $343,639 from his law firm. Zagoria was accused of issuing checks and forging the signature of another firm principal and depositing them into his own accounts. Zagoria is alleged to have used the funds to pay for his mortgage and credit card bills as well as for a second home his wife bought. Zagoria was also ordered to pay restitution of $318,000. He was disbarred earlier this year.

Read the story here, here and here.

Former Texas Municipal Manager, Brother Indicted In $4 Million Misappropriation Scheme

Ronnie Cain, 60, of Windcrest, Texas and his brother, Gary Cain, 53, were indicted on charges they conspired to misappropriate some $4 million from the City of Windcrest, where Ronnie Cain had served as chief administrative officer and Rackspace Hosting, Inc., a local Internet hosting company. Gary Cain, a developer, was alleged to have fraudulently received about $2.8 million from an account funded by the company for Windcrest to use for infrastructure improvements.

Read the story here, here and here.

Virginia Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty To $225K Embezzlement Scheme

Kathy Dishman White, 40, of Abingdon, Virginia, pleaded guilty to charges admitting she embezzled $225,079.65 from the Southwest Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council where she had been employed as a bookkeeper. Authorities alleged that over a four year period, beginning in 2006, White misappropriated small, but regular amounts of money by utilizing the non-profit's credit cards for personal use. She then attempted to cover-up the thefts by issuing checks from the organization's checking account to pay the credit card bills. She was accused of using the stolen funds to pay for a house and all kinds of personal luxury items. The non-profit operated on a budget of only $500,000. Sentencing is scheduled for March 7, 2011 when she faces up to 35 years in prison, plus fines and restitution.

Read the story here and here.

Hat tip: Reader Joe.

Update (4/20/11): White was sentenced to 53 months in prison and ordered to pay about $229,000 in restitution.

Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty To $650K Embezzlement Scheme

Marcia Jackson, 51, of Florissant, Missouri, pleaded guilty to charges admitting she embezzled more than $650,000 from the Show-Me Institute, a local think-tank, where she had been employed as an office manager. Specifically, Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of theft greater than $25,000 and 24 counts of fraudulently using a credit device. Authorities alleged that over a period of three years, from November 2006 to December 2009, Jackson misappropriated the funds from the institute and used the monies to pay for home repairs, spa treatments, hair replacement treatments, jewelry and numerous vacations. According to media reports, Jackson was fired for unprofessional conduct and insubordination and an audit ensued, which revealed the thefts. She was subsequently charged with the embezzlement in July 2010.

Read the story here, here and here.

Update (1/21/11): Jackson was sentenced to 7 years in prison.

Oregon Municipal Councilwoman Arrested On $350K Embezzlement Charges

Michelle Renee Mills, 35, of Molalla, Oregon, was arrested last Friday and charged with embezzling more than $350,000 from Abtronics, Inc., a local semiconductor manufacturer where she had been employed as general manager. Mills is also a city councilwoman for Molalla. According to authorities, Mills misappropriated the funds from her former employer over a period of approximately 3 years, from 2006 until October 2009. She was booked on 32 counts of aggravated theft and one count of 1st degree theft. Mills was first employed by Abtronics in August 2004 as general manager, according to her LinkedIn page. She is also president of the Molalla Buckeroo Association which runs the annual charity rodeo in town.

Read the story here, here and here.

Former California Bank Exec Indicted For Embezzling $217K

Norma Pena, 37, of Delhi, California, was indicted on charges she embezzled more than $217,000 from a Citibank branch in Ceres, California where she had served as assistant branch manager. The 14 count indictment alleges that Pena created her own teller cash drawer from which she took cash deposits and then attempted to cover up the losses with electronic transfers of the amounts stolen to ATM vault accounts. Pena's scheme spanned nearly a year, from March 2009 through February 2010, according to the indictment. She is also accused in a check kiting scheme - writing bad checks from one account to cover another. Pena faces up to 30 years in prison, plus a $1 million fine and restitution.

Read the story here and here.

Washington State Bookkeeper Accused Of Embezzling $250K

Scott D. Brixey, 48, of East Wenatchee, Washington, has pleaded not guilty to charges he embezzled at least $250,000 from Bethlehem Construction, where he had been employed as a bookkeeper. Authorities allege Brixey opened three credit card accounts in his own name, but paid for them by issuing checks from the company. Brixey is charged with 13 counts of forgery and one count each of first-degree theft and first-degree identity theft. Brixey reportedly has a 1984 federal fraud conviction in Spokane, Washington and a 2003 conviction for theft from a prior employer, Dolco Packaging.

Read the story here and here.

Update (3/16/11): Brixey, now 49, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree identity theft and six counts of forgery.   He was sentenced to 45 months in prison.

Minnesota Man Indicted For Allegedly Embezzling $642K From Employee Benefit Plan

Delroy Joseph Sand, Jr., 62, of New Prague, Minnesota, has been indicted on charges he embezzled $642,166 from the employee benefits plan of Hecla, Inc., a group home business he owned. Specifically, the three count indictment against Sand includes one count of embezzlement and theft from an employee benefit plan, and one count of failure to file a required report, and one count of obstruction of agency proceedings. The indictment alleges that from February 2008 to September 2009, Sand misappropriated the funds from the company's employee's retirement savings plans. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted, plus restitution. Research reveals that Sand has been embroiled in additional criminal controversy, living a double or triple life and defrauding supposed family members.

Read the story here and here.

Read the story about Delroy Sand's double life here.

Update (9/10/11): Sand, now 63, was sentenced to 41 months in prison. 

Tennessee Woman Charged With Embezzling $1.9 Million From Parking Concern

Mary Harris, 51, of Pleasant View, Tennessee, has been charged with embezzling more than $1.9 million from Central Parking Corp., where she had been employed as a treasury analyst. According to authorities, Harris misappropriated the funds over at least a 5 year period, from August 2004 through August 2009. Specifically, she has been charged with four counts of wire fraud, and prosecutors accuse her of using the company's automated clearing house system used to process financial transactions, to transfer funds into her own accounts. Harris then attempted to conceal the thefts by creating fraudulent accounting entries into the company books, supported by bogus e-mails.

Read the story here, here and here.

Update (7/19/11): Harris pleaded guilty todaty to wire fraud in connection with her alleged embezzlement of more than $1.9 million from Central Parking Corp.  She is scheduled to be sentenced October 24, 2011.

Former North Carolina Non-Profit Exec Indicted For $147K Embezzlement

Edward Gerard Payton, 50, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was indicted on health care fraud charges related to the alleged embezzlement of some $147,000 from Mecklenburg Open Door, a non-profit which provides mental health services and housing to local mentally ill individuals, for which he had served as Executive Director. According to authorities, Payton misappropriated the non-profit's funds by personal use of its credit cards and by receiving extra income through checks authorized as "loans" or "advances" which were never repaid. The five count indictment charged Payton with one felony count of Theft and Embezzlement in Connection with Healthcare and four felony counts of Theft and Embezzlement Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds. The scheme spanned a period of more than three years, from January 2007 to April 2010, according to the indictment.

Read the story here, here and here.

Read the full indictment here.

Breaking Update: Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva Gets 11 Years For $34 Million Koss Embezzlement

Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva, 47, of Mequon, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for embezzling $34 million from Koss Corporation, where she had served as vice president of finance and secretary. Sachdeva pleaded guilty in July to six counts of wire fraud in connection with the case. She has also agreed to pay full restitution. Sachdeva's attorney sought leniency due to her cooperation in the case whereas prosecutors sought 16 to 20 years. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which has been all over this story, quotes her in court today at sentencing: "I stand before you today truly remorseful. You have been my family, my friends and my co-workers for many years. I know you have been deeply hurt by my dishonesty in ways I never intended." The article goes on to describe Sachdeva's background as follows:

[Sachdeva] was born in Burma (now Myanmar) to a prominent family that had close ties to the Burmese government. The family fled and lived in a state of detention and
privation when the military seized power in 1962. The young Sachdeva witnessed
atrocities during those years.

The family escaped Burma in 1977 and moved to Long Island, N.Y., where Sachdeva attended college. She graduated from Stony Brook University in 1985 with a degree in finance. She was hired as a temporary worker by Koss in 1989 and became vice president of finance within six months.

Read FraudTalk's earlier posts on this story here, here, here , here and here.

Read all the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel stories here.

Update (1/8/11): Sachdeva, in testimony, thought she was going to be caught at any time. However, she blamed poor auditing by Grant Thornton and oversight by her boss, Michael Koss. Sachdeva was reportedly helped in her scheme that spanned 12 years in part by her assistant, Julie Mulvaney, who has not yet been charged in the case.

Read an updated story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal here.

Oregon Authorities Seek Woman Suspected Of Embezzling $225K From Several Businesses

Mary Elizabeth Carter, 46, last known to be living in Portland, Oregon, is being sought by Troutdale, Oregon police for her alleged involvement in embezzling at least $225,000 from several local businesses. Authorities claims Carter stole from local veterinary clinics where she apparently worked. They are seeking assistance in locating her whereabouts for outstanding felony warrants for aggravated theft. Carter, who is an Irish national, has a "slight" Irish accent and is described as white, 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. See photograph here. Troutdale police ask that anyone who might have information on her whereabouts to call them at 503-823-3333.

Read the story here and here.

Former Texas Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty To Embezzling $659K

Constance Bexley Iwanski, 56, of Portland, Texas pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud admitting she embezzled $659,000 from a local unnamed group of petroleum companies where she had been employed as a bookkeeper. According to authorities, Iwanski created more than 100 checks payable to herself with forged signatures over a six year period between December 2002 and December 2008. Iwanski began working for the petroleum concern 30 years ago in 1980. She faces up to 30 years in prison, plus fines and restitution upon sentencing, which is scheduled for February 23, 2011.

Read the story here and here.

Read the DOJ announcement here.

West Virginia Woman Sentenced In $163K Charity Embezzlement

Victoria Jarvis, 48, of Mineral Wells, West Virginia, was sentenced to six months in prison for embezzling $163,350 from the West Virginia Special Olympics where she had been employed as a bookkeeper. According to authorities, Jarvis created more than 100 fraudulent checks with the signature of the president of the non-profit for her own benefit. She was also ordered to pay restitution. Jarvis' scheme spanned more than six years from May 30, 2002 to at least July 1, 2008.

Read the story here and here.

Utah Man Charged With Embezzling $1.3 Million

Nathan Lee Kapp, 36, of Syracuse, Utah, was charged with one felony charge of mail fraud and four counts of money laundering for allegedly embezzling cash paid by truck driving students of C.R. England Trucking Co. where he had been employed as company controller. Beginning in January 2007, Kapp is alleged to have made numerous cash deposits of monies ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, intended for the company into his own person bank account at America First Credit Union. He reportedly used the funds to support his lifestyle, including purchasing a home, making home improvements and purchasing luxury vehicles. Kapp is being held in custody because "the defendant is a danger to the community," according to the court.

Read the story here, here and here

Texas Woman Pleads Guilty In $2 Million Embezzlement Case

Brenda Duncan, 53, of Parker, Texas, pleaded guilty yesterday to wire fraud in connection with her alleged embezzlement of some $2 million from Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions where she had been employed as accounts payable bookkeeper. Authorities believe Duncan misappropriated $2,058,186 from her employer from June 2009 through March 2010 using fraudulent wire transfers. She allegedly opened a bank account in a name was similar to a legitimate vendor to effect the funds transfers. Research reveals that Duncan had been employed by the company since 1984.

Read the story here and here.

California Man Charged With Embezzling $100K From Youth Sports Program

Cedric Earl Allen, 53, of Corona, California, was charged with embezzling about $100,000 from the Corona Youth Sports Foundation where he had served as treasurer. Allen is also accused of embezzling $17,000 from City Councilman Steve Nolan's re-election campaign for which he also had served as treasurer. Councilman Nolan started the Foundation 7 years ago to provide local children with athletic opportunities after school, including its signature boxing program, Corona Boxing. Specifically, Allen was charged with two counts each of grand theft, embezzlement, perjury and forgery as well as enhancements of theft of more than $100,000 and taking, damaging or destroying property. He has plead not guilty to the charges.

We note that Allen had also served as treasurer for the Corona Heights Baptist Church, the Santiago High School Choir Booster Club, the Christian Arts & Theatre of Corona and the Committee to Elect Stan Skipworth. Each had better check their books carefully.

Read the story here.

Former New Jersey CFO Pleads Guilty To $2 Million Embezzlement

John A. Eichner, 49, of Montvale, New Jersey pleaded guilty yesterday to wire fraud and tax evasion charges in connection with the alleged embezzlement of some $2 million from the Harold M. Pitman Company, where he had served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. According to prosecutors, Eichner falsified expense reports over a period of six years from 2003 through 2009. Authorities also alleged that Eichner caused wire transfers of company funds to pay for personal expenses and luxury travel and goods, including $30,000 for cases of wine purchased through the Southeby's auction house.

Read the story here and here.

Update (8/3/11): Eichner, now 50, has been sentenced to 56 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,349,162.

Update: Missouri Woman Sentenced For $825K Embezzlement Scheme

Shanna M. Hutchens, 37, of Blue Springs, Missouri, was sentenced 46 months in prison for embezzling $824,394 from Richardson Hauling Inc., where she had been employed as a bookkeeper. According to authorities, Hutchens issued some 242 fraudulent checks to herself, forging signatures of the company's owners, over a nearly four year period, between December 2004 and October 2008. Hutchens, who was indicted in July 2009 on four felony counts and seeking criminal forfeiture of monies, pleaded guilty last February to bank fraud and money laundering charges. She was reportedly paid only $11,000 a year for her part-time bookkeeping work.

Read FraudTalk's original post on this story here.

Read the story here and here.

Read the original indictment here.

Update (12/3/11): Hutchens husband, Thomas D. Hutchens, 41, of Blue Springs, was found guilty of seven counts of money laundering in connection with his wife's embezzlement scheme that bilked nearly $825,000 from Richardson Hauling Inc., where she had worked as a bookkeeper.  He was indicted this past April.

Update (6/25/12): Thomas D. Hutchens was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for his role in his wife's embezzlement scheme.

Indiana Woman Pleads Guilty To Embezzling $200+K

Roxanna Brown, 34, of Osceola, Indiana, has pleaded guilty to charges she embezzled more than $200,000 from Steinhoffer Scale Co., Inc. where she had been employed for a decade handling the company's finances. According to prosecutors, over a three year period, from 2007 until 2010, Brown used company credit cards for personal expenses and wrote checks to herself or third parties, including her divorce attorney, for her own benefit.

Read the story here and here.

Update (2/15/11): Brown was sentenced to 33 months in prison for embezzling what is now believed to be $481,244. Brown must also pay full restitution.

Pennsylvania Woman Charged With Embezzling $1.5 Million

Pamela Ann Mills, 45, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was indicted Friday on charges she embezzled some $1.5 million from Synergy Software, Maxwell Resources, Inc., where she had been employed as a bookkeeper and account manager. According to authorities, Mills wrote a series of checks to herself and her husband over a period of 8 years from July 2000 until July 2008. Specifically, Mills was indicted on 18 counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and three counts of filing false federal income tax returns for the years 2006, 2007, and 2008. Authorities believe Mills spent much of the ill-gotten gains to support a lavish lifestyle. She had been employee of the company since 1993.

Read the story here, here and here.

Read the DOJ announcement here.

Update (8/21/12): Mills, now 47, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for embezzling over $1.4 million from her employer, Maxwell Resources Inc., doing business as Synergy Software in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Florida Man Pleads Guilty To $1.9 Million Embezzlement Scheme

Owen R. Galvin, 40, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, pleaded guilty to charges he conspired with two other accomplices to embezzle more than $1.9 million from Outback Steakhouse’s corporate parent, OSI/PropCo. where he had been employed in the finance department. According to prosecutors, Galvin, together with Mark T. Watson and Jeremy David Schweickert, 29, doctored invoices and created fraudulent phony invoices over a nine month period from August 2009 to March 2010. Schweickert reportedly created a company, Valuation Research Consulting, which is very similar in name to an existing legitimate vendor, and set up a bank account into which the doctored invoices were deposited. Both Watson and Schweickert have already plead guilty for their part in the scheme. Schweickert reportedly has had substance abuse problems and a prior criminal issues. Galvin, who entered into a plea agreement to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud last week, faces up to 20 years in prison, plus fines and restitution.

Read the story here, here, here and here.

Update (12/3/10): Schweickert was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his role in this $1.9 million Outback Steakhouse embezzlement scheme.

Vermont Electric Utility Investigating $1 Million Embezzlement

The Hardwick Electric Department in Vermont has reported that it is investigating an alleged embezzlement by one of its employees of at least $1 million from the utility. The unnamed employee's scheme reportedly spanned a period of more than 10 years. Full details have yet to be released. However, it has been reported that the office manager, Joyce A. Bellavance, 57, of Hardwick, Vermont, has been relieved of her duties although no charges have yet been filed.

Developing...

Read the story here, here and here.

Update (12/16/10): Bellavance is now believed to have embezzled $1.4 million. She had been employed as Hardwick's office manager. According to authorities, Bellavance issued at least 267 fraudulent checks for her own personal benefit. Bellavance had been employed by the utility for some 37 years. Two co-workers discovered the embezzlement scheme when Bellavance was out sick.

Update (2/1/11): Bellavance was officially indicted yesterday on charges she embezzled $1.4 million from the Hardwick Electric Department over a 10 year period. She allegedly used the stolen monies to live a lavish lifestyle. Read an update of the story here.

Update (1/18/12): Bellavance was sentenced to 42 months in prison for embezzling what is now understood to be $1.6 million from the Hardwick Electric Department.

Former Pennsylvania Rape Center Director Indicted For Alleged $100K Embezzlement

Mary Beth Semerod, 55, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was indicted on charges she embezzled some $100,000 from the Schuylkill County Rape and Victim Assistance Center where she had served as executive director. According to the indictment, Semerod misappropriated the funds over a 2 year period from June 2006 until June 2008. The center has since been closed down and Semerod resigned in August 2008 after failing to comply with audit requirements, after serving as its director of 35 years.

Read the story here.

Update (6/5/12): Semerod, now 57, has been sentenced to 2 years in prison.  She must also make restitution in the amount of $205,883.52. 

Maryland Man Pleads Guilty To $370K Embezzlement Scheme

Timothy C. Kany, Sr., 49, of Bel Air, Maryland, pleaded guilty to charges he embezzled more than $370,000 from K-Line America, an ocean cargo company, where he had been employed as a manager with day to day oversight responsibility, including invoice approvals. According to prosecutors, Kany created two phony companies, Pawl’s Port Services and Bayview Ship Service, then submitted fraudulent invoices from these entities which he approved and received payment. The scheme spanned a period of 9 years, from 2000 until 2009 and included more than 1,400 fraudulent invoices totalling $270,488.25. Interestingly, Kany's administrative assistant, Kriste Lynn Ferrell, 38, also of Bel Air, Maryland, reportedly discovered his scheme in 2003, but was convinced to participate in a similar scheme by Kany. She set up a phony entity, Chesapeake Cargo Services, and submitted some 620 false invoices totalling $225,921.35, but paid actual vendors from the ill-gotten proceeds, netting herself a total of $100,894.95, which she split with Kany. He has plead guilty to mail fraud charges and must pay restitution in the amount of $371,383.21. Ferrell also recently plead guilty. Read the story here and here. Read the DOJ announcement here. Update (4/18/11): Kany, 49, was sentenced to 2 years in prison. Ferrell, now 39, was sentenced to three years probation for her part in a scheme to embezzle more than $370,000 from K-Line America. They were both ordered to pay restitution as well.

Former Oregon Bank Manager Sought By FBI In Possible $1.2 Million Misappropriation Case

The Federal Bureau of Investigation raided the home of Shawna Leimomi Saia, also known as Shawna Saia-Moore, 37, of Coos Bay, Oregon last week on suspicion that she misappropriated as much as $1.2 million from customer accounts at the local Wells Fargo Bank branch where she had been employed as assistant manager. Authorities believe Saia opened accounts in customer names in order to fraudulently receive extra commissions. She is also alleged to have transferred some $740,000 directly from customer accounts to her own accounts. Finally, she is believed to have taken gold coins from customers as well. FBI officials believe Saia is a "heavy gambler," which may have been a motivating factor for her thefts. Saia is thought to have fled to either Las Vegas, Nevada or Hawaii where she has family.

Read the story here, here and here.

Hat tip: Reader Joe.

Update (12/28/10): Shawna Saia-Moore was arrested by the FBI.

Update (9/21/11): Saia-Moore, now 38, was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison.  She plead guilty this past May. 

Mississippi Court Clerk Indicted For Embezzling $131K

Terry Lynn Watkins, 56, of Brookhaven, Mississippi and the Lincoln County Circuit Clerk, has been indicted on charges she embezzled some $131,000 from court coffers. Authorities allege that Watkins misappropriated funds from county criminal and civil accounts. She was indicted on eight counts of embezzlement by a public official. According to the indictment, the misappropriations occurred over a three year period between 2004 and 2006.

Read the story here and here.

Update (1/7/11): Circuit Judge William Coleman dismissed an 8 count indictment that accused Lincoln County Circuit Clerk Terry Lynn Watkins with eight counts of embezzlement.

Update (1/9/12): Terry Lynn Watkins, now 57, resigned as Lincoln County Circuit Clerk after pleading guilty to properly deposit county monies.

Maryland Woman Sentenced For $777K Embezzlement

Kymberli Rand, 41, of Brunswick, Maryland, was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for embezzling $777,249 from the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, where he was employed as an administrative assistant responsible for bookkeeping and finances. According to authorities, over a seven year period, from at least 2003 until February 2010, Rand issued checks to herself and used company credit cards for her own benefit. She was also accused of attempting to cover up her thefts by making fraudulent book entries. Rand, who was originally charged this past June, plead guilty to wire fraud.

Read the story here, here and here.

Update (11/9/10): Rand is now estimated to have embezzled more than $876,000.

$400K Embezzlement Alleged At North Carolina Volunteer Fire Department

Amy McKinley Moore, 43, of Garner, North Carolina has been charged with larceny by employee in excess of $100,000 and obtaining money by false pretenses in connection with an alleged embezzlement of some $394,000 from Garner Volunteer Fire-Rescue, Inc. (GVFR), where she had been employed as an administrative assistant. According to authorities, Moore wrote hundreds of checks to herself over a 7 year period between 2003 and 2010. Moore's husband, David Moore, is a detective with the Raleigh Police Department. She reportedly spent the money on luxury travel, professional sports games, jewley and artwork, among other personal items.

Read the story here and here.

Update (3/29/11): Moore, now 44, has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison.

Former Bank Employee In Mississippi Sentenced For $2 Million Embezzlement Scheme

Sandra J. Jones, 63, of Greenville, Mississippi, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for embezzling nearly $2 million from Planters Bank & Trust Company in Indianola, where she had been employed as head of customer service relations. According to authorities, Jones misappropriated funds from customer accounts. Jones, who pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, was also ordered to pay $1.9 million in restitution. The FDIC has banned Jones from being employed in the financial industry without regulatory consent.

Read the story here.

Read the FDIC consent order here.

Hat tip: Reader Joe.