Choctaw Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

STEPPANY DENLER MORENO, 31, from Choctaw, Oklahoma, pled guilty today to embezzling money from credit union member accounts.

Moreno was a teller for Communication Federal Credit Union (CFCU) in Oklahoma City. According to the indictment, on nine different dates from July 2011 through December 2012, Moreno made unauthorized cash withdrawals on various accounts of credit union member B.L. and used the money for her own purposes.

In addition, Moreno forged signatures on three cash withdrawal receipts in order to make unauthorized withdrawals from B.L.’s accounts. The unauthorized cash withdrawals from B.L.’s accounts totaled $39,100.

Moreno pled guilty to the twelve-count indictment today and admitted that she embezzled the funds from B.L.’s accounts and that she forged signatures on the cash withdrawal receipts.

At sentencing, Moreno faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine on the embezzlement and the false statement charges, and she will be required to pay restitution. A sentencing hearing will be set by the court in approximately 90 days.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Maxfield Green.

According to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, Sanford C. Coats, Moreno’s actions were a serious breach of trust and a betrayal of the public’s trust in financial institutions.

Moreno’s guilty plea is a significant step in holding her accountable for her crimes and ensuring that she makes amends to the victims and the community.

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