Ronald Barnett Hill, Embezzlement, Kentucky 2013

Kenton County Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Embezzling Wife’s Employee Benefit Plan

Covington, Ky. — Ronald Barnett Hill, 49, of Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison by United States District Judge David Bunning for embezzling $248,000 from his wife’s employee benefit plan.

Hill, a local businessman who owned and operated TPS Solutions, a corporation located in Kenton County, was a fiduciary of the 401(k) funds held in accounts of its employees, including his wife. He stole nearly all of the money in his wife’s account by fraudulently completing a hardship withdrawal form, forging his wife’s signature, and signing the form as the Trustee authorized to complete the withdrawal.

According to court documents, Hill withdrew a total of $248,000 from his wife’s 401(k) account in January, July, and November 2013. The 401(k) account was part of a defined contribution pension plan subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

Hill pleaded guilty to the charges in March 2018. Under federal law, he must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. The United States was represented by former Assistant United States Attorney Robert K. McBride and Assistant United States Attorney Wade T. Napier.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, made the announcement today after the sentencing. “This case highlights the importance of protecting the pension plans of hardworking Americans,” said Duncan. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who abuse their position of trust are held accountable for their actions.”

Hill’s sentencing is a significant victory for the community and a reminder that embezzlement will not be tolerated. As a result of his actions, he will face the consequences of his crimes and will be held accountable for his wrongdoing.

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