Kevin Kelso, Embezzlement, California 2012
San Diego, CA - Embezzlement Scheme Unfolds
A former director of finance at the Westin San Diego has been charged with embezzling more than $500,000 from the hotel between December 2010 and September 2012.
According to an indictment, Kevin Kelso used various methods to embezzle funds, including taking advantage of the hotel's change order process, using an unauthorized corporate American Express card, submitting duplicate expense reports, reversing charges for friends and acquaintances, and writing Westin checks to pay himself and third parties.
The defendant was arrested by U.S. Secret Service agents on August 27, 2013, at another hotel, his current place of employment.
Kelso was arraigned in the Central District of California before Magistrate Judge Ralph Zarefsky and pled not guilty. Magistrate Judge Zarefsky set bail at $100,000 and ordered the defendant to appear in the Southern District of California in the courtroom of Magistrate William V. Gallo on September 4, 2013, at 2 p.m.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence that the defendant committed the crime charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the United States meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant: Kevin Kelso
Criminal Charges: Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 – Wire Fraud
City and State: San Diego, CA
Date: August 27, 2013 (arrest date)
Outcome: Pled not guilty, awaiting trial
Dollar Amount: Over $500,000
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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