West View Savings Exec Accused of $41K Heist

PITTSBURGH, PA – A pillar of West View Savings Bank allegedly helped himself to company funds, according to a federal indictment unsealed today. Keith A. Simpson, 59, of Butler, Pennsylvania, stands accused of pilfering approximately $41,806.90 from the federally insured institution over a two-year period.

Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced the indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on February 14, 2017. Simpson, formerly the Chief Accounting Officer for West View Savings, is facing a single count of embezzlement. The alleged scheme spanned from April 2014 to April 2016, a quiet bleed of funds from a trusted insider.

Federal prosecutors allege Simpson systematically siphoned off the $41,806.90 while overseeing the bank’s accounting. Details of *how* the embezzlement occurred remain sealed within the indictment, but investigators with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) reportedly built a solid case before handing it over to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

If convicted, Simpson faces a stiff penalty. The law dictates a maximum sentence of thirty years behind bars, a $1,000,000 fine, or a combination of both. However, the actual sentence will be determined by Federal Sentencing Guidelines, taking into account the severity of the crime and any prior criminal record.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Lew and Lee J. Karl are leading the prosecution. The FDIC’s investigation was thorough, uncovering the alleged fraud and laying the groundwork for the indictment. The agency has been increasingly aggressive in pursuing bank employees who abuse their positions for personal gain.

It’s crucial to remember that this indictment is merely an accusation. Simpson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments as they unfold. The next court date has not yet been announced.