Desiree Madiedo, Wire Fraud, Florida 2022

TAMPA, FL – A husband and wife from Brooksville, Florida, are headed to federal prison after being convicted of a brazen wire fraud scheme targeting a major agribusiness. Desiree Madiedo, 45, received a sentence of one year and one day, while her husband, Christopher Madiedo, 47, will serve 30 months. U.S. District Judge William F. Jung handed down the sentences this month, also ordering the couple to pay full restitution of $342,155 and forfeit the same amount – representing the ill-gotten gains from their years-long con.

The scheme unfolded over several years, beginning around 2014. Desiree Madiedo was a long-term employee of Company 1, a worldwide agribusiness with a Tampa office, initially starting as a receptionist. She quickly ascended to a role handling accounts receivable and payable, eventually gaining control over the company’s credit card account administration and reconciliation. It was this access that allowed the couple to begin siphoning funds for personal use.

Court documents reveal the Madiedos exploited an automatic monthly payment system set up by Company 1 to cover employee credit card charges. They systematically used the company card to purchase approximately $342,155 worth of personal items and services – everything from everyday expenses to more extravagant indulgences – none of which were related to legitimate business operations. The couple operated with calculated deception, knowing full well their actions were illegal.

Desiree Madiedo went to considerable lengths to cover her tracks. Despite funneling funds into personal purchases, she meticulously processed legitimate employee expense reports, ensuring all bills were paid in full – including the fraudulent charges. This carefully constructed facade allowed the scheme to continue undetected for approximately four years, until around January 2018 when the fraud was uncovered. She was found guilty on June 3, 2022, while Christopher Madiedo was convicted on September 8, 2022.

The investigation was a joint effort between the U.S. Secret Service and the Tampa Police Department, highlighting the increasing collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies in tackling complex financial crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay G. Trezevant prosecuted the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Muench handling the asset forfeiture proceedings. The Secret Service’s involvement underscores its expanding role beyond protecting dignitaries to combating financial fraud that threatens the stability of U.S. businesses.

This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly ‘white collar’ crimes carry serious consequences. The Madiedos’ greed led to their downfall, and now they will pay the price with significant prison sentences and the loss of their ill-gotten gains. The restitution order ensures that Company 1 will recover the stolen funds, though the damage to the company’s trust and reputation may linger for some time. The U.S. Attorney’s Office hopes this case will deter others from engaging in similar fraudulent activity.

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