Monday, November 17, 2008

Virginia Attorney Pleads Guilty To $2 Million Embezzlement

Lawrence H. Bidwell, 49, pleaded guilty to stealing $2 million from the Virginia Farm Bureau, where he previously worked as claims counsel. According to prosecutors, Bidwell's embezzlement scheme dates back to at least 1996. Specifically, Bidwell plead guilty to five counts of embezzlement and one count of forgery. The scheme was not discovered until last August, when employees at the Farm Bureau noticed a $30,000 claims check was deposited into an account of Bidwell. While he is charged with $2 million theft, prosecutors suggested that the loss is probably closer to $3 million. During a hearing Bidwell admitted to having a gambling problem. He faces up to 110 years in prison and is due to be sentenced on February 3rd, 2009.

Read the story here, here and here.

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