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$1M Embezzlement Lands Bookkeeper 24 Months in Prison
Abingdon, VIRGINIA — Patricia Ethel Chinault, a former bookkeeper for a Carroll County law firm, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for embezzling approximately $1 million from the firm. The sentence was handed down in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon last Friday.
Chinault, 72, of Apopka, Florida, had previously pled guilty to the embezzlement charges. According to court documents, Chinault worked as a bookkeeper for the law firm in Carroll County, but continued to provide bookkeeping services for the firm after she moved to Florida in 2009.
As a bookkeeper with electronic access to the firm’s accounts, Chinault used her access to fraudulently divert money to herself from 2010 to 2014. The investigation revealed that she spent most of the stolen money on internet gambling.
Chinault’s scheme was uncovered when federal law enforcement agents became aware of suspicious activity on one of her credit card accounts. Further investigation revealed the extent of her criminal activity.
The Court ordered Chinault to pay restitution of $960,809 in addition to her prison sentence. The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Secret Service, with Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuting the case for the United States.
Chinault’s sentence serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of white-collar crimes. The case highlights the importance of vigilant accounting practices and the need for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in detecting and prosecuting financial crimes.
The sentence was handed down in a federal court, underscoring the federal government’s commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring accountability for those who engage in such activities.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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