WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacque Phillips, a 32-year-old woman from Weirton, was charged with a string of crimes that could land her in prison for up to 20 years and cost her $250,000 in fines. Phillips, who also goes by the name “Jacque Phillips-Brown,” is accused of committing wire fraud, theft, and money laundering in her role as a billing manager at a medical billing company in Steubenville, Ohio.
According to the indictment, Phillips used the financial services company Square, Inc. to transfer funds paid to her employer into her personal accounts. She allegedly linked her personal bank accounts to the Square accounts she registered in her employer’s name, allowing her to siphon off money from her employer, patients, and insurance companies. The scheme is said to have taken place between January 2018 and March 2019, during which time Phillips allegedly defrauded her employer and others out of more than $100,000.
Phillips faces three counts of wire fraud, one count of theft from a health care benefit program, and three counts of money laundering. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count of wire fraud, up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the theft charge, and up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 for each count of money laundering. The actual sentence imposed will depend on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history Phillips may have.
Phillips was recently indicted on these charges and is set to appear in federal court. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government, and the FBI investigated. While an indictment is merely an accusation, Phillips is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Phillips’ case is a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the financial industry. Her alleged actions demonstrate a brazen disregard for the law and a willingness to exploit her position for personal gain.
The FBI’s investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s office are to be commended for their work in bringing this case to light. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
**Mandatory Facts**
Defendant: Jacque Phillips (also known as Jacque Phillips-Brown)
Criminal Charges: Three counts of wire fraud, one count of theft from a health care benefit program, and three counts of money laundering
City and State: Weirton, West Virginia
Date: January 2018 – March 2019 (alleged crime date)
Sentence: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count of wire fraud, up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the theft charge, and up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 for each count of money laundering
Dollar Amount: Over $100,000
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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