Kendra Walker, Embezzlement, Texas 2016

HOUSTON, Texas - In a shocking case of corporate theft, Kendra Walker, 28, of Houston, pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $450,000 from Southwestern Energy Co.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Walker worked in the accounts payable department of Southwestern Energy Co. Beginning in February 2014, she abused her position to access the company's accounts payable system and fraudulently change bank account information for some of its vendors to instead list bank accounts that she controlled.

She then caused the company's accounts payable system to issue payments for invoices that, in reality, the vendors did not submit. Instead, because Walker had changed the vendors' bank account information, these payments transmitted money into bank accounts that she controlled.

From February 2014 to February 2015, Walker embezzled $452,025.56. Her actions are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of white-collar crime.

Walker was convicted of four counts of wire fraud, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the pecuniary gain or loss. She is set to appear in court on June 26, 2016, for sentencing.

The FBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Chu is prosecuting the case.

Southwestern Energy Co. hired Walker in its accounts payable department. Her actions are a betrayal of the trust placed in her by the company and its employees.

Kendra Walker's case highlights the importance of internal controls and oversight in preventing corporate theft. It also serves as a reminder that those who abuse their positions of trust will be held accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/former-energy-company-employee-pleads-guilty-embezzling