WASHINGTON, D.C. – Andrew Robertson, 54, of Harrison, New Jersey, is headed to federal prison after admitting to pilfering over $425,000 from a prominent international law firm. The former office manager was sentenced to 41 months behind bars today, bringing an end to a case that exposed a calculated scheme of fraud and deceit.
Robertson, who previously resided in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to a single count of mail fraud. The court heard evidence detailing how, between February 2017 and November 2018, Robertson abused his position to make unauthorized purchases using a firm-issued corporate credit card. The spending spree included personal shopping sprees, covering personal expenses, and funneling money directly into his own PayPal account.
The total haul: a staggering $425,000. But Robertson didn’t just spend freely; he actively tried to cover his tracks. Prosecutors presented evidence showing he fabricated invoices and manipulated accounting classifications, attempting to disguise the illicit expenditures as legitimate business costs. The scheme was designed to fool the firm’s billing department, creating the illusion of lawful spending while the money lined his own pockets.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, presiding over the case, didn’t show leniency. In addition to the 41-month prison sentence, Robertson will face three years of supervised release after his term is served. The judge also ordered him to forfeit $425,000 – meaning the government will seize assets equivalent to the stolen amount.
The investigation was a joint effort between the U.S. Secret Service’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Acting U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Special Agent in Charge Matthew R. Stohler, and Chief Robert J. Contee III all lauded the work of the investigators and prosecutors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rakoczy and Paralegal Specialist Amanda Rohde were specifically recognized for their contributions to securing the conviction.
This case serves as a stark reminder that even those in positions of trust are not immune to prosecution when they engage in criminal activity. Robertson’s attempt to exploit his employer and enrich himself at their expense has cost him his freedom and a substantial financial penalty. The Secret Service continues to prioritize investigations into financial crimes, protecting businesses and individuals from fraud and embezzlement.
Related Federal Cases
- Telisha Trent, Bank Account Embezzlement, NJ 2015 · New Hampshire
- Michael Kmec, Embezzlement and Check Diversion, CT 2018 · Michigan
- Leaford Cameron, Rehab Center Embezzlement, Washington 2023 · Pennsylvania
- John Cromwell, Embezzlement, Massachusetts 2024 · New Mexico
- HHS-OIG Exposes Treatment Gaps, Opioid Epidemic, Nationwide, 2023 · Washington
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News