Gwendolyn M. Berry, Mail and Wire Fraud, Texas 2018

Embezzlement Scheme Unravels for Local Woman

HOUSTON, Texas - In a case that highlights the devastating consequences of betrayal, a local woman has been ordered to federal prison for embezzling a staggering $1.7 million from a family's bank accounts. Gwendolyn M. Berry, 51, was convicted of 12 counts of mail and wire fraud and four counts of filing a false tax return.

According to court documents, Berry used her position of trust to carry out the elaborate scheme, which spanned multiple years. She wrote checks on the family's accounts to pay her personal bills and those of her family members, amassing a total of $1,820,858.40 in restitution owed to her victims.

The U.S. Secret Service and IRS - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation, uncovering the depths of Berry's deceit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Annis is prosecuting the case.

On the date of her conviction, February 5, 2018, Berry pleaded guilty to the charges. Today, U.S. District Judge Gray Miller handed down a 51-month sentence, which will be followed by three years of supervised release. Berry was also ordered to pay an additional $344,268 in restitution to the IRS.

The court noted that Berry's actions were a clear abuse of her position of trust and that she took measures to conceal her misappropriation of funds. Judge Miller's decision reflects the severity of Berry's crimes and the impact they had on her victims.

Berry has been permitted to remain on bond and will voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility at a later date. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the consequences of embezzlement.

Mandatory Facts:

• Defendant/Respondent Name: Gwendolyn M. Berry
• Criminal Charges: 12 counts of mail and wire fraud, 4 counts of filing a false tax return
• City and State: HOUSTON, Texas
• Exact Date: February 5, 2018
• Sentence or Outcome: 51 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release
• Dollar Amounts: $1,820,858.40 in restitution to victims, $344,268 in restitution to the IRS

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/bookkeeper-sentenced-embezzling-17-million-client-funds