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Ex-IDOC Accountant Stole $77,000 from State Funds
Springfield, IL – In a shocking case of corruption, Mary Ann Bohlen, a former employee of the Illinois Department of Corrections, admitted to embezzling approximately $77,000 from various state funds over a period of four years. The 46-year-old Edinburg resident pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud and two counts of embezzlement of government funds.
According to court documents, Bohlen was employed from February 2004 until February 15, 2012, as Assistant Deputy Director and Supervisor of Central Accounting for the Division of Fiscal Accounting Compliance. During her tenure, she had access to various financial accounts and funds, including the Inmate Benefit Fund, Inmate Commissary Fund, and the Reimbursement and Education Fund.
Bohlen’s scheme began in April 2006 when she became treasurer of the Illinois Correctional Employees Memorial Association, an organization of IDOC employees formed to recognize and memorialize IDOC employees who were killed or suffered permanent disability in the line of duty. She actively solicited employees to become members of the association, which was funded by membership fees, fundraisers, and donations.
Between June 22, 2007, and July 19, 2011, Bohlen embezzled more than $50,000 from the Illinois Correctional Employees Memorial Association. To conceal and replace the funds, she embezzled over $27,000 from other various funds, including the Inmate Benefit Fund, Inmate Commissary Fund, and the Reimbursement and Education Fund, between March 6, 2008, and April 27, 2011.
Bohlen wrote over $50,000 worth of checks drawn on the Memorial Associations’ bank account, payable to herself, to cash, and to a business in Owaneco, Illinois, where she was an employee, partner, or accountant. The business sold products such as Illinois wine, cheese, pizza, elk products, soy candles, and other items.
Bohlen faces sentencing on June 10, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough. Each count of mail fraud carries a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison, while each count of embezzlement carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
The charges were investigated by the Illinois State Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris is prosecuting the case. Bohlen’s guilty plea marks a significant victory for the people of Illinois in the fight against public corruption.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, James A. Lewis, said, ‘This case highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in our government institutions. We will continue to work tirelessly to root out corruption and bring those responsible to justice.’
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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