In a recent case of bank fraud, identity theft, and theft of government funds, a mother and daughter from Arkansas were sentenced to a combined total of seven years in federal prison. Amanda Komp, 39, received a sentence of four years, while her mother, Tammy McCullough, 58, received a sentence of three years. The sentencing came after evidence was presented that Komp, who worked as a Housing Manager at Fort Chaffee, had been embezzling money from a government-held account. Over the course of nearly two years, Komp issued and paid 68 checks totaling $53,000 to her mother’s company for furniture moving services that were never provided. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elser and Bryan Achorn.
Background
In a recent case of bank fraud, identity theft, and theft of government funds, a mother and daughter duo from Fort Smith, Arkansas were sentenced to a combined total of seven years in federal prison. Amanda Komp, aged 39, was sentenced to four years in prison, while her mother, Tammy McCullough, aged 58, received a three-year sentence. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearing at the U.S. District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Amanda Komp worked as the Housing Manager at Fort Chaffee from 2014 to September 2019. As part of her duties, she was responsible for processing payments from funds belonging to the United States government that were held in the Fort Chaffee billeting fund checking account at Regions Bank.
Sentencing and restitution
As a result of their crimes, Komp and McCullough were ordered to pay $53,000.00 in restitution. This amount represents the funds that were fraudulently obtained through their scheme. The sentencing terms were determined based on the severity of the offenses, as well as other factors taken into consideration by the court.
The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III
Judge P.K. Holmes, III played a crucial role in overseeing the sentencing hearing for Amanda Komp and Tammy McCullough. As a federal judge, Judge Holmes is responsible for upholding the principles of justice and ensuring the fair application of the law. His decision to impose a combined seven-year sentence reflects his commitment to punishing those who engage in fraudulent activities that harm the government and its citizens.
Roles and responsibilities
As Housing Manager at Fort Chaffee, Amanda Komp had specific responsibilities related to the management of funds held in the Fort Chaffee billeting fund checking account at Regions Bank. Her role involved processing payments and obtaining the necessary approval for expenditures from this account. This approval required Komp to obtain the signatures of two members of the Fort Chaffee Lodging Advisory Council on purchase requests and checks payable from the billeting fund account.
Fort Chaffee billeting fund account at Regions Bank
The Fort Chaffee billeting fund account at Regions Bank served as a repository for funds belonging to the United States government. This account was responsible for financing various expenses related to the operations and maintenance of Fort Chaffee. As Housing Manager, Amanda Komp had access to this account and was entrusted with the responsibility of processing payments and managing its funds.
Checks issued and paid to Triple M Enterprises
During the period from December 26, 2017, to September 3, 2019, a total of sixty-eight checks amounting to $53,000 were issued and paid from the Fort Chaffee billeting fund account at Regions Bank. These checks were supposedly issued for furniture moving services provided to Fort Chaffee by Triple M Enterprises, a company owned by Tammy McCullough, Amanda Komp’s mother.
Forged signatures and false invoices
Upon investigation, it was discovered that several of the checks and purchase orders submitted by Amanda Komp contained forged signatures. The invoices that accompanied these checks claimed that furniture moving services were provided by Triple M Enterprises, but it was later revealed that these services were not actually provided as stated. This deception allowed Komp and McCullough to fraudulently obtain funds from the government.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes
The announcement of the sentencing and restitution was made by U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas. As the chief federal law enforcement officer in the district, Attorney Fowlkes is responsible for ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice. His office played a crucial role in the investigation and prosecution of Amanda Komp and Tammy McCullough.
FBI investigation
The case involving Amanda Komp and Tammy McCullough was thoroughly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI is the principal investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice and is tasked with upholding the law and protecting the American people from various criminal activities. Their investigation played a vital role in uncovering the bank fraud, identity theft, and theft of government funds committed by Komp and McCullough.
Prosecution team
The prosecution team responsible for bringing Amanda Komp and Tammy McCullough to justice consisted of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elser and Bryan Achorn. These individuals worked diligently to present a strong case against the defendants, ensuring that all necessary evidence was collected and presented in court. Their efforts played a crucial role in securing the convictions and sentences for bank fraud, identity theft, and theft of government funds.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Amanda Komp and Tammy McCullough to a combined total of seven years in federal prison serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that individuals face when engaging in fraudulent activities. The successful prosecution of this case highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system to uphold justice and protect the assets of the United States government. The efforts of U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes, Judge P.K. Holmes, III, the FBI, and the prosecution team demonstrate that bank fraud, identity theft, and theft of government funds will not be tolerated.