Erica Gilmore-Grier, Mail Fraud Embezzlement, Florida 2023

Fort Pierce, Florida - In a shocking case of corporate theft, a group of seven St. Lucie County residents, including Erica Gilmore-Grier, 35, were sentenced for their roles in a $200,000 mail fraud embezzlement scheme that targeted Policy Studies, Inc. (PSI).

Gilmore-Grier, who worked as a financial manager for PSI's Call Center in Fort Pierce, was responsible for overseeing the resolution of financial issues on GAPC customer accounts and issuing refunds when customers overpaid their premiums. However, she used her position to authorize fraudulent refund checks for her co-defendants and others, claiming they were legitimate GAPC clients who had inadvertently overpaid their premiums.

Between October 2008 and October 2011, Gilmore-Grier and her co-conspirators stole approximately $213,147.56 from PSI and GAPC through this scheme. The money was obtained through more than 64 checks issued to Gilmore-Grier's friends and family throughout St. Lucie County, which they then cashed and split with her.

The defendants, including Margo Nickerson, 36, of Fort Pierce, Bridgette Galarza, 31, of Port St. Lucie, Chelsea Durham, 40, of Port St. Lucie, Jessica Harris, 22, of Fort Pierce, Jamile Williams, 34, of Fort Pierce, and Venus Holloman, 26, of Fort Pierce, were all sentenced for their roles in the scheme. Gilmore-Grier was sentenced to 33 months' imprisonment, while Nickerson received 30 months, Harris got 24 months, Holloman was sentenced to 20 months, Galarza received 8 months, Williams got 4 months, and Durham was sentenced to 4 months' imprisonment and 4 months' home detention.

The U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore imposed the sentences, ordering all defendants to pay restitution and undergo supervised release after their incarceration. The scheme was uncovered through the investigative efforts of the Secret Service and the Fort Pierce Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaniek Maynard prosecuted the case, which is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of corporate theft and the importance of vigilant oversight in the financial industry.

The case serves as a warning to businesses and individuals alike: no one is above the law, and those who engage in such schemes will be held accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/fort-pierce-financial-manager-and-six-other-st-lucie-county-residents-sentenced-200000