Gregory Michael Press, Wire Fraud, Iowa 2020

Gregory Michael Press, a 46-year-old man from West Des Moines, Iowa, has been sentenced to two years in prison for wire fraud. The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose on October 14, 2020.

According to court documents, Press was employed as the director of operations at L&C Billing Services Inc. in West Des Moines. While in this position, he stole money from the company over a number of years. Press accessed the company payroll and issued himself unauthorized salary raises and bonuses. He also paid for personal credit card debt with company funds.

In addition to these actions, Press issued company checks and cash to himself. Furthermore, he placed two women, with whom he had personal relationships, on the company payroll and insurance plan, despite the fact that they did not work for L&C Billing Services Inc.

The West Des Moines Police Department and United States Postal Service – Criminal Investigations investigated this matter. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

As a result of his conviction, Press must pay $450,000 to the victim. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term.

Press pleaded guilty to wire fraud in July 2019. His sentencing provides closure for the victim and serves as a reminder that those who engage in white-collar crime will be held accountable.

The case serves as a reminder to businesses to be vigilant in their internal controls and to implement measures to prevent similar cases of embezzlement.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/west-des-moines-man-sentenced-prison-stealing-local-business