In a shocking display of corporate greed, Blake Underwood, 45, of Perrysburg, Ohio, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for defrauding a computer technology support company of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Underwood pleaded guilty in May to wire fraud and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary. In addition to his prison term, Underwood will also serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment.
According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Underwood was employed by Nemsys, LLC, a Toledo-based information technology company. After the Nemsys business owners relocated to Florida, Underwood became the CEO and ran the business on behalf of the owners. However, he devised a scheme to defraud the company from December 2019 until April 2023.
Underwood used Nemsys funds intended for the revitalization of a historic Toledo property to purchase building supplies for his personal home. He also used company funds to pay his personal credit cards, purchase personal vehicles, golf club memberships, jewelry, and more. The scheme was uncovered in 2023 when the owners examined why Nemsys was underperforming financially.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Toledo Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Melching for the Northern District of Ohio. The case highlights the importance of corporate oversight and the need for companies to protect themselves against internal threats.
Underwood’s sentence serves as a warning to others who would engage in similar white-collar crimes. The use of company funds for personal gain is a serious offense, and those who engage in such activities will be held accountable. As the justice system continues to crack down on corporate fraud, it is essential for companies to implement robust internal controls and for individuals to report any suspicious activity.
The case against Underwood is a reminder that white-collar crime can have serious consequences, both for the individuals involved and for the companies that are affected. As the investigation and prosecution of such crimes continue to evolve, it is essential for companies to stay vigilant and for individuals to remain committed to ethical business practices.
Related Federal Cases
- Ohio Accountant Gets 10 Years for $4.7M Scam · Ohio
- Acid Plant Pollution: $12M Fine, 3K Tons Cut · Oklahoma
- Live Nation & Ticketmaster Face Antitrust Fight in NY · Washington
- Florida Man Swindles Bank Out of $4 Million in Ohio Boiler Scheme · Ohio
- Ex-Teller Ruksenas Charged in Taupa Credit Union Collapse · Ohio
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
