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Elizabeth Batten, Mail Fraud, Texas 2023
McALLEN, Texas – In a shocking turn of events, 57-year-old Elizabeth Batten, the former director of financing at McCreery Aviation in the Rio Grande Valley, has pleaded guilty to mail fraud and diverting company funds for her own benefit, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Batten, a Mission resident, admitted to using signed blank company checks, intended for legitimate business purposes, to settle her personal credit card accounts. She also used the U.S. Postal Service to conceal her behavior and actions by mailing her fraudulent payments to multiple credit card companies in different states.
The investigation into Batten began after a McCreery Aviation employee noticed irregularities in the handling of company checks in late 2023. It revealed she had fraudulently diverted a total of $1.2 million as part of her scheme.
As part of her plea, Batten agreed to pay $1.191 million in restitution to McCreery Aviation. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing on October 7, at which time Batten faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case. Batten was permitted to remain on bond pending her sentencing hearing.
The shocking revelations have left many in the community reeling, and the case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the workplace.
Batten’s actions not only caused financial harm to McCreery Aviation but also undermined the trust of her colleagues and the public. Her guilty plea marks a significant step towards justice, and we hope that it will serve as a deterrent to others who would engage in similar behavior.
We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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