Crystal Lankford, Embezzlement, Nebraska 2012

Embezzlement Scandal Rocks Seward Community

A devastating embezzlement scandal has shaken the small town of Seward, Nebraska, after Crystal Lankford, the former Manager and Treasurer of the H.B.E. Credit Union, was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison for stealing $635,998.56 from the credit union.

Lankford’s scheme, which spanned from April 12, 2006, to September 20, 2011, involved writing unauthorized checks to herself and her husband, Steve Lankford, from the credit union’s operating account at Union Bank and Trust. The funds, which belonged to the credit union, were then deposited into Lankford’s own checking account.

According to court documents, Lankford knew the credit union’s account at Union Bank had a zero balance when she quit in October 2011. The embezzlement scheme, which lasted for nearly six years, has left the community reeling.

The investigation into Lankford’s crimes was conducted by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Crystal Lankford was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $635,998.56 as part of her sentence. Lankford’s crimes were uncovered after she pled guilty to Embezzlement from a Federally Insured Credit Union in September.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of white-collar crimes and the importance of accountability in our communities.

As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this story, we urge anyone with information to come forward and share their experiences. The people of Seward deserve the truth and justice.

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