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UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD CHARGES IN MISSOURI

On Behalf of | Dec 17, 2018 | Firm News

When faced with criminal charges, many people may not know what to do. Some people, upon recognition that there may be enough evidence to convict them, may choose to plead guilty, even if they did not commit the crime. In fact, a woman in Michigan recently pleaded guilty to fraud charges.

The woman is a former employee of a university located in Missouri. She worked in the Division of Medical Education as the Business Director. However, law enforcement officials say that it was in that capacity that she embezzled $300,000 from the university. The plea agreement indicates that the embezzlement began in May 2010 and lasted until July 2018.

Reports indicate that she was able to take the money using several different methods. She reportedly purchased Visa gift cards and forged another employee’s signature to charge them to her divisions. She then used the gift cards for personal expenses. She also allegedly had contractors complete work at her personal residence and submitted false invoices to the university, claiming the work had been completed for the Division of Medical Education.

As a result of her guilty plea to three counts of mail fraud, she now awaits sentencing. She could spend up to 20 years in prison and be fined up to $250,000. Unfortunately, the criminal justice system is complex, especially in cases involving allegations related to white collar crimes. Some people in Missouri facing similar charges may ultimately decide to plead guilty as this woman has done. An attorney with experience with such cases can carefully review all the details and help a defendant make an informed decision about his or her individual case.

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