Woman Pleads Guilty To Half-Million-Dollar Embezzlement Scheme

When a person is in charge of an organization or works as a treasurer, they can easily access money. This could lead to a situation where they end up using that money for personal expenses, which is a crime called embezzlement.

A Maryland woman recently pled guilty to theft and conspiracy charges after stealing more than $500,000 from a labor organization. The 43-year-old woman from Temple Hills is scheduled to be sentenced on November 4. She faces up to 37 months in prison and will likely be ordered to pay restitution, among other financial penalties.

The woman served as the operations manager of the Property Services Division of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Her duties included managing administrative support, booking reservations for employees, and paying vendor invoices for purchases. She had a work-issued credit card and access to discount travel booking platforms. Both were to be used only for union business.

Between November 2015 and October 2017, the woman used her access to the credit card and travel booking platforms to embezzle approximately $503,600 from SEIU. She kept approximately $460,900 in funds for herself. Her close friend, not affiliated with the labor union, was in on the scheme as well and kept approximately $42,700 for herself.

The woman used the money for personal expenses, such as trips, parties, watches, clothing, furniture, video games, and baby items. She also used the credit card to buy gift cards for herself as well as give money to her friend’s businesses even though no work was performed.

The friend, a 36-year-old woman from Georgia, pled guilty in May to conspiracy and theft charges. Her sentencing is scheduled for October 7.

Understanding Embezzlement

Embezzlement is a financial crime that is often premeditated. It is often used interchangeably with theft, although embezzlement is a little different. It requires some type of conversion to occur. What this means is that the person did not simply steal the money. Instead, they used the money for personal reasons, such as purchases. Plus, the person accused of embezzlement must have had access to the funds before the crimes took place. This is usually proven by someone’s job duties or position as a volunteer for an organization.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Embezzlement is a type of white collar crime that does not cause physical harm but can sure cause financial harm. Stealing more than $500,000 is no minor crime, and as a result, a person can expect to suffer strict penalties.

A Columbia white collar crime lawyer from The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can help investigate your case and argue your case before a judge and jury. We’ll help you with a solid defense so you get the best outcome possible. Call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation. We have two offices to serve you.

Source:

justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/former-union-officer-pleads-guilty-embezzlement-scheme-generated-more-500000