Non-Profit Embezzler Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison

A 49-year-old former administrative assistant for the Katy Area Economic Development Council (KAEDC) has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for stealing over $280,000 from the non-profit organization. Janet Leigh Medrano, aka Janet Jackson, pleaded guilty to wire fraud on December 12, 2023, after a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison handed down the sentence, noting that this was not an appropriate case for leniency. Medrano attempted to excuse her conduct by claiming she had difficulty providing for her family, but Judge Ellison dismissed the claim by stating he had heard from thousands of individuals with much more desperate financial situations.

Medrano worked as an administrative assistant for KAEDC from 2014 to 2019, but she began stealing from the organization in 2016 using four different schemes. When confronted by KAEDC, Medrano attempted to hide her crime by providing altered bank statements to cover the ongoing theft. Further investigation revealed that Medrano was not telling the truth and had stolen over $280,000 from KAEDC.

The court heard testimony from a KAEDC representative about how Medrano’s theft left the non-profit organization on the brink of bankruptcy. In addition to her prison sentence, Medrano was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $281,489.91. She is currently permitted to remain on bond and will voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility at a later date.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Lu prosecuted the case, bringing the perpetrator to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the sentencing, with U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani commending the efforts of the investigative team.

Medrano’s case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of white-collar crime. The Katy Area Economic Development Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic growth and development in the Katy area. Medrano’s actions not only harmed the organization but also undermined the trust of the community it serves.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation, working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind Medrano’s schemes. The case highlights the importance of robust financial controls and the need for organizations to remain vigilant in preventing and detecting financial crimes.