Catherine Finkle, Wire Fraud, Connecticut 2021

Catherine Finkle, a 58-year-old East Haven resident, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to her theft of more than $38,000 from the town's Board of Education child care program.

According to authorities, Finkle was the Program Director for the School Age Child Care Program, known as the Little Jackets Program, from January 2000 to November 2018. As the program director, Finkle had access to the program's bank accounts and received tuition payments on behalf of the program.

However, Finkle defrauded the East Haven Board of Education by taking more than $38,000 in tuition payments, in the form of money orders and cash, that had been made for students in the Little Jackets Program. She then diverted the payments for her own benefit.

The theft occurred from January 2011 to November 2018, with Finkle taking a total of $38,554.50 from the program.

Finkle pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and has agreed to pay restitution of $38,554.50. She is currently released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for May 6, 2021. Finkle faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The investigation into Finkle's actions is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller prosecuting the case.

The case is a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public programs. It also highlights the need for robust internal controls and oversight to prevent similar instances of fraud and theft.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/east-haven-resident-admits-stealing-towns-board-education-child-care-program