Former Town Manager Sentenced on Bank Fraud Charge

Bank Fraud Scheme Exposed in Coeburn

A former town manager in Virginia has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for bank fraud, a scheme that saw her use the town’s credit for personal expenses.

Loretta Ilene Mullins Mays, 49, of Coeburn, Virginia, previously pled guilty to one count of bank fraud. The Hon. James P. Jones sentenced Mays to imprisonment for a term of one year and one day in addition to ordering her to make restitution to the Town of Coeburn in the amount of $20,313.

The bank fraud scheme, which occurred between 2006 and 2013, saw Mays apply for and receive credit cards in the name of the Town of Coeburn and then use the credit cards for personal expenses. She also used the legitimate Town of Coeburn credit card and lines of credit to fraudulently obtain personal goods and services.

“When public officials abuse the power placed in them by the citizens they serve for their own financial gain they must be held accountable,” said United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. “This United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute instances of public corruption and ensure the integrity of those holding public offices.”

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance provided by the Dickenson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.

Mays served as the Town Manager for the Town of Coeburn, Virginia from March 27, 2006 to February 14, 2013. The sentence marks the culmination of an extensive investigation into the bank fraud scheme, one that highlights the need for accountability in public offices.

As the people of Coeburn look to move forward, they can take comfort in knowing that those who abuse their power will be held accountable. The sentence handed down to Mays serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in public service.