Daniel Lion, Wire Fraud, Connecticut 2018

City Employee's Decades-Long Embezzlement Scheme Exposed

A 40-year veteran of the City of New Haven's accounting department has been brought to justice for a long-running embezzlement scheme. Daniel Lion, 64, of Hamden, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on [no date provided] before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lion had access to the city's payroll system and was authorized to issue vacation paychecks to employees. However, he used this access to issue paychecks to himself, deleting the computer entries for the checks in the process. This scheme allowed him to steal $102,947.44 from the City of New Haven over a period of approximately 16 years.

The investigation into Lion's activities was conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, U.S. Secret Service, and New Haven Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller is prosecuting the case.

Lion, who retired from the City of New Haven in March 2019, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2019. At that time, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and an order of restitution.

The City of New Haven's policy of paying employees in advance for approved vacation leave allowed Lion to carry out his scheme undetected for so long. The case highlights the importance of internal controls and audits in preventing embezzlement and other forms of financial misconduct.

Lion's guilty plea brings an end to a long and complex investigation. The case serves as a reminder that public officials and employees have a duty to act with integrity and honesty in their roles.

The sentencing of Daniel Lion is set for September 4, 2019. The City of New Haven has expressed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the wake of this case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/former-new-haven-city-employee-admits-embezzling-100k