Massachusetts Woman Commits Wire Fraud, Faces Embezzlement Charge

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When people work in positions that allow them access to the company credit cards or cash, they may feel tempted to engage in unlawful activity. With so many people in debt and hurting for money, it can be easy to use a company's financial assets to pay for personal expenses. One Massachusetts woman succumbed to the temptation and is now paying the price.

The 43-year-old woman from Mattapoisett, an hour outside Boston, worked as a bookkeeper. Between January 2006 and September 2012, the woman was engaged in fraudulent activity as she defrauded two computer design and consulting businesses. She had access to the company's credit cards and used them for her own personal expenses, such as entertainment tickets, travel, tuition and restaurants. She also used the credit cards to pay for a photography business she had on the side. The woman took advantage of the company's bank account to pay her credit card bills.

On top of that, the woman reworked the company's payroll system to receive raises and receive reimbursement for employee expenses. In all, she embezzled just under $320,000. She pleaded guilty to embezzlement through wire fraud and is accepting responsibility for what she did. She has agreed to pay $74,123.17 as part of a plea deal. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 25.

Theft of this nature is a serious crime. Even though the woman is cooperating and admitting to her crimes, this charge will likely destroy the woman's reputation. She will not be able to be trusted with money and will still likely face serious consequences with a theft charge conviction.

Source: South Coast Today, "Mattapoisett woman pleads guilty to embezzlement" Curt Brown, Mar. 27, 2014