Treasurer Embezzles $82,000 From Union


Many people steal from their employers. Many engage in petty theft, such as taking office supplies or maybe even a few dollars here and there. Others concoct detailed embezzlement schemes to get their hands on large amounts of cash. Embezzlement is often done by disgruntled employees who are mad about low pay, no benefits or horrible hours.

Embezzlement is a common white collar crime that takes money away from companies and puts it in the hands of employees entrusted to use the funds appropriately. Unfortunately, what sometimes happens is that the money is put in the employee’s personal account. It can sometimes take years for companies to find out this is happening. By then, they could lose out on tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A treasurer in Maryland embezzled from her union, to the tune of more than $82,000. The woman, from Port Deposit, worked as a treasurer for the American Federation of Government Employees Local 331, which represents employees at the Perry Point VA Medical Center. The woman, in her 40s, concocted two schemes that defrauded the union through forgery and payment of personal expenses.

In the much smaller scheme, she used her union credit card on multiple occasions to pay for personal expenses totaling $1,235.93. In the larger scheme, she forged her colleagues’ names on 35 union checks. She then either deposited the checks or cashed them in her name. In that scheme, she stole a whopping $80,944.80.

The embezzlement schemes took place between July 2012 and July 2015. The treasurer successfully got away with these thefts for the longest time by reporting false information to the union executive board and members.

The schemes unraveled in July 2015. The local vice president overheard a phone call in which the treasurer attempted to use a union credit card to buy a smartphone for a family member. The vice president told the president about the conversation. The woman’s office was searched and financial transactions were reviewed. The union discovered that the treasurer had engaged in multiple acts of embezzlement totaling $82,180.73.

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General and the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards investigated the embezzlement schemes. The Justice Department later took over and filed charges. The woman was indicted in June 2018 and pled guilty in May 2019. On September 10, the woman was sentenced to two years in prison by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. She must also pay full restitution.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

While embezzlement is not a violent crime, there are still victims involved. It can cause financial issues for individuals and companies.

If you are facing embezzlement charges, protect yourself. The Columbia white collar crime attorneys at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can negotiate with prosecutors to get your charges reduced. We can argue your case to get the best result. Fill out the online form or call (410) 774-5987 to schedule a free consultation.

Resource:

nlpc.org/2019/09/26/maryland-afge-local-treasurer-sentenced-for-embezzlement/

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/man-pleads-guilty-to-running-billion-dollar-fraud-scheme-in-florida/

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